Kim Jong Un wrapped up a three-day central committee meeting by denouncing "wrong ideological viewpoints" and reprimanding officials for complacency, while praising North Korean troops reportedly fighting in Ukraine alongside Russia. The gathering discussed preparations for a ruling-party congress expected in early 2026 and flagged recent "deviations" in discipline — widely interpreted as corruption. Analysts link the troop deployment to deeper North Korea–Russia cooperation and say Pyongyang may seek broader post-conflict roles with Moscow.
Kim Jong Un Vows to 'Root Out Evil,' Rebukes Officials and Praises Troops Fighting in Ukraine
The North Korean leader praised Pyongyang's soldiers fighting against Ukraine alongside Russia (STR)(STR/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un closed a three-day meeting of the regime's central committee by promising to root out "evil" elements in the state, sharply rebuking officials for what he called lazy and irresponsible conduct and lauding troops fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian forces, state media reported Friday.
The meeting focused on major policy decisions and preparations for a ruling-party congress expected in early 2026 — North Korea's first such congress in five years. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim criticized "the wrong ideological viewpoint and inactive and irresponsible work attitude" among some cadres and urged officials to adopt "greater confidence in and courage for the future of our cause and struggle." KCNA did not provide specifics but said the party had uncovered numerous recent "deviations" in discipline, a term frequently used to refer to corruption.
Praise For Troops Deployed To Ukraine
Kim reserved notable praise for North Korean soldiers reportedly deployed to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine. South Korean government estimates cited in reporting place North Korean fatalities at at least 600, with thousands more wounded. KCNA quoted Kim as saying their actions "demonstrated to the world the prestige of our army and state as the ever-victorious army and genuine protector of international justice." Independent verification of combat deployments and casualty figures is limited; the article attributes those estimates to South Korean sources.
Growing Ties With Russia
Analysts say the troop deployment aligns with expanding military and economic cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, with North Korea reportedly receiving financial assistance, military technology and supplies in exchange for personnel and support. Ahn Chan-il, a researcher originally from North Korea, told AFP that Kim's remarks "signalled Pyongyang's intention to maintain that deployment" and that North Korea could seek roles in post-war reconstruction efforts in Russia if the conflict ends.
Modernisation And Regional Tensions
Kim also praised efforts to "modernise" the nation's defenses amid what he called profound geopolitical and technological changes. The central committee convened the same day Pyongyang fired a salvo from a multiple-rocket launcher system, a demonstration analysts say could threaten the South. The meeting's public readout made no reference to South Korea's recent diplomatic overture from President Lee Jae Myung, who suggested an apology might be warranted over alleged past actions by his predecessor, nor did it mention the United States.
Context: The KCNA report reflects the North Korean regime's official line. Some details — especially combat deployment claims and casualty figures — rely on outside estimates and analyst interpretation rather than independently verifiable evidence.
Analysts say Kim appears increasingly emboldened by closer ties with Russia, reducing incentives to pursue high-profile meetings with the United States for now. The two leaders last met in 2019 at Panmunjom; a previously reported hope by former U.S. President Donald Trump to meet Kim during an Asia trip had not produced a follow-up.
