North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged his “unconditional support” for Russia’s war in Ukraine, backing all actions taken by Moscow to address what he called the “root cause of the Ukrainian crisis”, according to state media outlet KCNA.
During a meeting in Pyongyang on Saturday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kim affirmed North Korea’s alignment with Russia’s military campaign. The summit took place in what was described as “an atmosphere full of warm comradely trust”.
Kim expressed his “firm belief that the Russian army and people would surely win victory in accomplishing the sacred cause of defending the dignity and basic interests of the country”.
Western officials estimate that Pyongyang has sent up to 11,000 troops to support Russia in its ongoing invasion, which began in February 2022. In addition to soldiers, North Korea has pledged to send thousands of workers to aid reconstruction efforts in Russia’s war-damaged Kursk region, according to Moscow’s security officials.
Russia’s foreign ministry posted footage of Kim and Lavrov exchanging a warm embrace. Lavrov also met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and expressed gratitude for the “heroic” North Korean soldiers deployed to the frontline, according to Russia’s TASS news agency.
North Korea’s declaration of support follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to resume military aid to Ukraine after a brief pause. Trump announced on Thursday that the US had reached an agreement with NATO to deliver Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine in response to escalating Russian air assaults.
Pyongyang first publicly acknowledged its military support to Russia in April, months after Kyiv and Western allies reported North Korean troop deployments to the frontlines.
In June 2024, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defence accord, pledging to support each other against acts of aggression.
Follow us on:
