Friday, October 24, 2025-North Korea has begun construction on what it calls a “sacred sanctuary” to honor its citizens who died fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine. State media unveiled early renderings of the memorial, featuring towering granite statues and eternal flames, hailing the project as a symbol of “unbreakable brotherhood” between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Officials say the site will commemorate North Korean “volunteers” who reportedly perished while supporting Russian operations a claim Western intelligence agencies describe as an open acknowledgment of North Korean military involvement in the conflict. The memorial is being built on the outskirts of Pyongyang and is expected to be completed by next year.
The announcement sparked global outrage and disbelief. Ukrainian officials condemned the move as “a grotesque glorification of aggression,” accusing North Korea of trying to legitimize Russia’s invasion through propaganda. In South Korea, lawmakers described the memorial as “a dangerous signal” of deepening military ties between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin.
Russian state media, however, praised the initiative, calling it a testament to “shared sacrifice and solidarity.” Satellite images showing increased construction activity near the reported site have added weight to claims that Pyongyang is using the project for political theater.
Analysts believe the memorial could mark a new phase in North Korea’s alignment with Russia, one that extends beyond weapons deals into ideological partnership. The monument’s unveiling may coincide with future arms or resource agreements between the two countries, giving Pyongyang both economic leverage and symbolic legitimacy.
Critics warn that the move further isolates North Korea from the global community and cements its image as a willing participant in one of the century’s most divisive wars. For Kim Jong Un, however, the memorial is more than stone and steel; it's a declaration of loyalty written in granite.
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