SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hosted a lavish ceremony in Pyongyang for commanders of units deployed to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine, state media reported on Friday.
The event, held in his office compound, included an elaborate banquet and performances, as well as what was described as one of Kim’s highest personal gestures of respect: sharing cigarettes with the visiting commanders.
During the ceremony, Kim delivered a speech praising the troops for their “distinguished feats” in battle. He personally awarded state commendations and conferred the title of "Hero of the Republic" on several soldiers. For fallen fighters, he affixed Hero of the Republic medals to their portraits.
Kim also laid flowers at a newly built “wall of remembrance,” observed a moment of silence and met with the families of the dead to offer condolences.
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