Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been observed mourning over the presumed deaths of his soldiers who fought in the Russia-Ukraine war, as reported by images broadcasted by state media on Tuesday. The footage, aired by Korean Central Television, depicted Kim placing a North Korean flag over a coffin during a ceremony for the return of remains of soldiers deployed and killed in the war.

According to Anadolu Agency, the images were captured during a cultural event jointly hosted by North Korea and Russia in Pyongyang on Sunday, commemorating the first anniversary of their "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui appeared alongside Kim in the images. One particularly poignant image showed Kim placing both hands on the coffin, a solemn expression on his face.

The broadcast also included photos of North Korean soldiers with Russian troops and a blood-stained notebook, believed to belong to a North Korean soldier, recovered from the battleground in Russia's Kursk region. Russia's Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova, present at the event, was seen wiping away tears, as were several others in attendance. Participants, including Kim, were dressed in winter clothing, indicating that the event might have been held months prior, with the remains possibly starting to return as early as last winter.

North Korea has deployed thousands of soldiers to assist Russia in the Ukraine war, following a partnership pact signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim in Pyongyang in June of the previous year. Recently, South Korean intelligence suggested that North Korea might send additional troops to Russia in the upcoming months. Last month, Russian security chief Shoygu announced that North Korea would dispatch 6,000 personnel, including 1,000 combat engineers and 5,000 military builders, to help with mine clearance and reconstruction in the Kursk region, near the Ukrainian border.

In April, South Korea's spy agency reported that North Korea likely suffered more than 4,700 casualties, including 600 confirmed fatalities, while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.