North Korea Unveils Propaganda Film Praising Troops Fighting for Russia Before Beijing Parade
Just days before joining Vladimir Putin in Beijing to watch China’s show of military power, Kim Jong Un has released a propaganda video lauding North Korea’s soldiers fighting in the Ukraine war.
The 20-minute film, aired by state-run KCTV, features heavily stylized battlefield scenes: soldiers marching across snowy terrain, meeting Russian counterparts, setting explosives, and exchanging fire. Aerial shots claim to show North Korean attacks and battlefield successes, while other clips focus on loyalty and patriotism—such as troops saluting Kim’s portrait or embracing the national flag.
Analysts caution that the authenticity of the video remains uncertain, with some footage likely staged or altered, a long-standing hallmark of North Korean propaganda media. Independent verification of the scenes has not been possible.
Heavy Losses Acknowledged
The release comes after Kim publicly recognized battlefield losses for the first time. Western officials estimate that of the 12,000 troops North Korea initially sent to aid Russia, nearly a third were either killed or injured.
In August, Kim held events for bereaved families, promising support for those who lost loved ones. State media broadcast images of the leader consoling grieving relatives and bowing before portraits of fallen soldiers.
The film pays tribute to those fighters, claiming they participated in operations to “liberate” Russia’s Kursk region last October following a Ukrainian counteroffensive.
For years, North Korea’s military image was based largely on rhetoric and drills. But now, analysts like Andrei Lankov of Kookmin University say the Ukraine conflict provides Pyongyang with rare battlefield experience it can use for domestic propaganda.
Strengthening Alliances with Russia and China
The timing of the film’s release underscores Pyongyang’s deepening ties with Moscow and Beijing. This Wednesday, Kim, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to stand together at a grand military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Experts believe the video is part of Pyongyang’s strategy to boost Kim’s stature on the world stage, presenting him as a leader aligned with Russia and China rather than an isolated outlier.
“North Korea wants to showcase itself as part of a powerful front alongside Moscow and Beijing,” said Hong Min, a senior fellow at South Korea’s Korea Institute for National Unification.
The Beijing trip will be Kim’s first visit to China since 2019, highlighting the importance of renewed ties between the two neighbors.
Expanding Weapons Production
At the same time, North Korea is pressing ahead with its weapons program. Over the weekend, Kim toured a new missile production site, where state media claimed the country had completed a five-year plan to expand missile capacity.
Photos published by KCNA showed Kim inspecting rows of missiles and speaking with uniformed commanders. According to the report, he also approved three new long-term projects aimed at further boosting production.
Over the past few years, Pyongyang has stepped up weapons development, testing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of striking the U.S. mainland while increasing both the pace and scale of missile manufacturing.
A Coordinated Message
By releasing this propaganda film just before the Beijing parade, North Korea is signaling its growing alignment with Russia and China. The message is clear: its troops’ sacrifices in Ukraine, coupled with rapid weapons expansion, are being used to reshape the narrative of Pyongyang as a key player in global power dynamics.