North Korean Troops March in Russia’s Victory Day Parade: A New Era of Military Alliance?

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North Korean troops took part in Russia’s Victory Day military parade for the first time on May 9, a move that openly signals closer military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Analysts say the public appearance — coming after reports of North Korean involvement in the war in Ukraine — represents a sharper, more visible display of the two countries’ alliance.

On May 9, Russia’s state news agency TASS posted video on its official social channels showing a North Korean military unit participating in the Victory Day parade.

The footage shows North Korean soldiers in dress uniform, armed and marching in formation across Red Square. Leading the column, color bearers carried the North Korean national flag alongside banners with Russian Victory Day slogans.

As the North Korean unit marched, senior North Korean officials in the stands — including Ambassador to Russia Sin Hong-chol — applauded and greeted them.

TASS said this was the first time a North Korean unit had directly participated in Russia’s Victory Day military parade.

Observers view the march as a deliberate public demonstration of the military partnership between North Korea and Russia, linked to Pyongyang’s reported role in the Ukraine conflict.

U.S.-based NK News, a media outlet that covers North Korea, estimated earlier this year that roughly 9,500 North Korean troops are deployed in Russia and participating in the war in Ukraine.

After signing a \”Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership\” with Russia in June 2024, North Korea began sending troops to Russia in October of the same year.

At last year’s Victory Day, a five-member North Korean military delegation, including Kim Yong-bok, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army, attended but no North Korean units marched in the parade.

Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, reiterating the bilateral alliance.