North Korean Troops March in Russia's Victory Day Parade for First Time

North Korean troops participated in Russia's military parade commemorating the Victory Day of World War II for the first time, drawing significant attention. Russia's state-run TASS news agency posted a video on its official social media account showing North Korean troops marching in the Victory Day military procession held at Moscow's Red Square on the 9th. The video depicted North Korean soldiers in full dress uniform, carrying rifles, marching in formation. Color bearers led the procession, holding the North Korean flag and banners with messages commemorating Victory Day. Senior North Korean officials, including North Korean Ambassador to Russia Sin Hong-chol, who were in the stands, were reportedly seen applauding the North Korean troops as they appeared in Red Square.

Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs, stated through TASS that the North Korean troops' participation in the parade signifies the strategic partnership and alliance between the two countries. He mentioned that North Korean soldiers had previously fought alongside Russian forces in the liberation of the Kursk region.

North Korea and Russia signed a 'Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' in June 2024 and have been accelerating military cooperation, including deploying soldiers to Russia since October of the same year. Last year's Russian Victory Day saw the dispatch of a five-member North Korean military delegation, but no military units directly participated in the march. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Russia's Victory Day.