In a significant escalation of their strategic partnership, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged unconditional support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, held in the eastern coastal city of Wonsan.
According to North Korean state media KCNA, Kim expressed full alignment with Moscow’s approach to the Ukraine conflict, stating that North Korea is prepared to back all measures taken by Russian leadership to address what he described as the root causes of the crisis.
This comes amid reports that North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops to aid Russia’s war efforts, in addition to supplying weapons and ammunition. Russian media confirmed Lavrov’s gratitude for the military support, which he characterized as part of an “invincible fighting brotherhood.”
The meeting was part of the second strategic dialogue between the two countries, building on a 2023 partnership treaty that includes a mutual defense pact. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to defending each other’s sovereignty and deepening military and economic cooperation.
Furthermore, North Korea will reportedly send an additional 6,000 military engineers and builders to assist with post-conflict reconstruction in Russia’s Kursk region, further embedding its role in Russia’s long-term war efforts.
This expanded military collaboration is likely to provoke international condemnation, particularly as it violates United Nations Security Council sanctions that prohibit North Korea from exporting arms.
As global tensions continue to rise, the strengthening bond between Pyongyang and Moscow marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, forming a potent alliance against Western influence.