North Korean leader Kim Jong Un saluted soldiers fighting and dying in a “far-away alien land” during a speech on Tuesday, according to state media, referencing his deployment of troops to fight against Ukraine during low-key celebrations for the 77th founding anniversary of the DPRK.

Kim emphasized the country’s socialist system as “the one and only right road” forward as top officials “made a pledge of loyalty” to his unchallengeable dictatorial rule, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Wednesday.

“We will not allow the destiny of our country to be left to any foreign forces’ devices,” Kim added