On May 5, 2020, The Russian embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea announced that the Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un a commemorative war medal marking the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany.
Key Points:
i.The medal was awarded to the North Korean leader for his role in preserving the memory of Soviet soldiers who died on North Korean territory.
ii.Russia’s ambassador in North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, presented the award to the country’s Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon.
iii.The ceremony took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall, where Kim reshuffled North Korea’s highest decision-making body in April 2020.
iv.Award contribution: Kim was awarded for his great personal contribution to the commemoration of dead and buried Soviet citizens on the territory of the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) and showing concern about the safety of the Soviet soldiers’ graves and memorial sites.
v.In 2019, Russia invited Kim to visit Moscow on May 9, 2020, to attend the military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the victory.
vi.Putin announced the decision to postpone the parade indefinitely last month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
vii.In 2015, the North Korean leader rejected a similar invitation to the 70th anniversary, citing domestic affairs.
About Russia:
Capital– Moscow.
Currency– Russian ruble.
About North Korea:
Capital– Pyongyang.
Currency– North Korean won.
