North Korean leader Kim Jong-un grew emotional at a ceremony honoring thousands of North Korean soldiers sent to fight for Russia in Ukraine, many of whom died in battle.

At the event, Kim draped flags over coffins as images of the fallen were broadcast, with North Korean and Russian officials in attendance.

The ceremony marked deepening ties between the two countries following a defense pact signed last year, with Russia reportedly sharing military technology in exchange for North Korean troops, the U.S. Sun has reported.

Despite heavy casualties among poorly prepared North Korean forces, Pyongyang is expected to send 6,000 more soldiers, drawing international criticism for violating UN sanctions.

Written by B.C. Begley