North Korean leader reaffirms unwavering support for Russia’s war in Ukraine
- 23 March, 14:09
North Korean President Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his unconditional support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russia’s Security Council secretary, Sergei Shoigu, in Pyongyang, North Korean state media said on Saturday.
President Kim said during the meeting that his government would “invariably support Russia in the struggle for defending the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests”, according to his televised comments.
In turn, Shoigu expressed gratitude for Pyongyang’s “solidarity with Russia’s position on all critical geopolitical issues, particularly on the Ukrainian issue.” Shoigu conveyed a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who extended his greetings to President Kim and vowed to give “utmost attention” to implementing agreements reached in their recent summits.
There have been no media reports about any possible agreement reached during Shoigu’s visit to North Korea.
It should be noted that North Korea and Russia signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2024, laying a foundation for a military cooperation between the two countries. Along with weapons and military hardware, Pyongyang has sent Russia thousands of troops to help Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine. According to South Korean intelligence agency and Western sources, at least 12,000 North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s border Kursk region.
