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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged total support for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine during a meeting with Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov.
What’s the deal: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov on Friday in Pyongyang, where they held extensive discussions focused on deepening military cooperation and strategic alignment between their countries. According to North Korean state media, Kim expressed strong support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, calling them a justified response to Western provocations. Kim was quoted saying, “The US and the West made Kyiv authorities attack Russia’s territory with their own long-range strike weapons.” He added that these were “irresponsible acts” aimed at creating a “prolonged conflict and threatening all mankind.”
Kim also reiterated North Korea’s commitment to standing with Russia, stating, “The DPRK government, army, and people will invariably support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity from the imperialists’ moves for hegemony.” Discussions also touched upon the growing partnership between the two nations under the comprehensive strategic pact signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, which includes mutual defense commitments and aims to strengthen their military capabilities against shared adversaries.
This all comes as North Korea has sent approximately 12,000 troops to Russia in the last few months, with many now actively serving in combat roles on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine, including in the contested Kursk region. This deployment, alongside shipments of artillery systems, missiles, and ammunition, significantly contributes to Russia’s war effort. In return, South Korean intelligence reports suggest that Russia has provided North Korea with advanced air defense missile systems, economic aid, and critical military technologies, including support for space-based surveillance and long-range missile development.
These exchanges have sparked concerns among South Korea, the US, and NATO, as they could accelerate North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Despite these reports, both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied such transactions, dismissing them as Western propaganda aimed at undermining their growing alliance.
