According to a report by the North Korea’s official news agency on August 22, Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, attended the national commendation ceremony for the commanders and men of the Korean People’s Army’s overseas combat units, personally commending the officers who had participated in the Russian-supported forces in the conflict with Ukraine.
It was reported that Kim Jong-un personally recognized the achievements of the combat units and awarded the title of “Hero of the Republic” to officers who had performed outstanding military feats in battle. Photos showed that at the ceremony, Kim Jong-un embraced the officers being honored enthusiastically, and some officers were even moved to tears. In addition, during the event, Kim Jong-un also paid tribute at a “wall of mourning” and met with the families of deceased soldiers to offer condolences.