Kim Jong Un Praises North Korean Soldiers Fighting 'on Foreign Soil'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised members of his country's armed forces who have been deployed and are fighting 'on foreign soil.' In his New Year's message, he referred to Pyongyang's alliance with Moscow.

'As the whole country is in a festive atmosphere to welcome the New Year, I miss you even more, as you bravely fight on battlefields on foreign soil, even at this moment, faithfully carrying out the orders of your homeland,' Kim said, according to the official KCNA news agency.

'Show courage. Pyongyang and Moscow are behind you,' he added.

According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian armed forces in Ukraine. It is estimated that at least 600 North Korean officers have been killed.

In return, Moscow is offering Pyongyang economic aid, military technologies, food, and hydrocarbons, according to analysts. Kim Jong Un praised his men for strengthening the 'invincible alliance' with the 'brotherly Russian people.'