Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited the Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang, inspecting sculptures and artworks designated for the upcoming Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations. These pieces include a tower and decorative engravings that will adorn the museum's exterior, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea began constructing the museum in October to honor its soldiers who perished fighting alongside Russia in the Ukraine conflict. This marks the first memorial in North Korea dedicated to soldiers who died in overseas military actions. Earlier in the month, Kim Jong-un visited the museum's construction site and participated in a tree-planting ceremony.

North Korea has reportedly deployed over 10,000 troops and supplied conventional weapons to support Russia's military endeavors. Thousands of North Korean soldiers are believed to have been killed in the conflict. Kim praised the sculptures, stating that they capture the "legendary feats and glorious life" of North Korean soldiers, who he described as "defenders of honor."

The KCNA quoted Kim emphasizing the importance of creating art that embodies the spirit of victory and strength. He stressed the need for high artistic quality and precision in the sculptures, so visitors to the museum would be inspired by the soldiers' courage and determination. Photographs released by the KCNA show the sculptures depicting combat scenes or soldiers in full battle attire, rendered at two to three times their actual size.

The Mansudae Art Studio, a prominent state-run facility, is responsible for producing significant artworks for North Korea's propaganda initiatives.