Kim Jong Un has met the families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, expressing his deep condolences, North Korean state media reports. In a special ceremony held on Friday, the North Korean leader was seen comforting bereaved families and presenting them portraits of their deceased loved ones wrapped in the East Asian nation's flag. South Korea believes the North has sent approximately 15,000 troops to aid Russia in its invasion, receiving food, funds, and technical help in return. North Korea only acknowledged its involvement in foreign conflicts in April, admitting that some of its soldiers had been killed. Friday's ceremony was the second of its kind within a week, during which Kim expressed sorrow for the fallen and pledged to care for their children while planning to erect a monument in their honor. Additionally, Kim is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week, which will further reinforce the close ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.