North Korea’s Kim Jong-un vows “unconditional” support for Russia in the Ukraine war, affirming military alliance under a 2024 mutual defense treaty. Pyongyang reportedly sent 15,000 troops, with 4,700 casualties. Talks with Russia focus on deeper ties, regional security, and potential new deployments amid rising global tensions.
The strengthening alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged to “unconditionally” support Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This vow, reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), came during Kim’s meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Security Council Secretary, in Pyongyang on Wednesday.
This announcement highlights a deepening military and strategic relationship between the two countries, formalized through a comprehensive mutual defense treaty signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2024. The meeting marks Shoigu’s second visit to North Korea in less than three months, reflecting the urgency and importance of military collaboration between the two nations.
Kim Jong-un reaffirmed North Korea’s full support for Russia’s foreign policy positions, especially on critical global matters such as the conflict in Ukraine. “North Korea will unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues, including the Ukrainian issue,” Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA.
The North Korean leader also emphasized his country’s intention to “responsibly observe the articles of the treaty” with Russia. The strategic partnership treaty obligates both nations to provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked—a clause that may carry significant implications given the volatile geopolitical landscape.
During the Pyongyang meeting, both sides expressed shared perspectives on the Ukraine conflict and agreed to expand their bilateral relations into what they called “powerful and comprehensive relations of strategic partnership.” The discussions also covered plans for the reconstruction of Russia’s war-torn Kursk front-line region and the commemoration of North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian forces.
Reports from Russia’s Tass news agency indicate that these commemorative efforts include recognizing the role and sacrifice of North Korean troops deployed to support Russia. In April, North Korea officially acknowledged its deployment of forces to Ukraine—a rare admission. According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia, with more than 4,700 casualties reported, including about 600 deaths.
Seoul’s unification ministry speculates that the talks between Kim and Shoigu might have included further troop deployments, ongoing ceasefire negotiations for the Ukraine war, and even a potential visit by Kim Jong-un to Russia in the near future. Given the timing of the meeting—coinciding with the inauguration of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung—there’s also speculation that the two leaders may have discussed inter-Korean relations and the broader security dynamics of the Korean Peninsula.
| Also Read: US President,Russian counterpart Putin hold 85-minute call |
Shoigu’s visit comes just days ahead of the first anniversary of the strategic treaty signed on June 19, 2024. The treaty has become a cornerstone of the burgeoning Russia-North Korea alliance, signaling a new era of military cooperation aimed at counterbalancing Western influence, particularly that of the United States and NATO allies.
The growing collaboration between Pyongyang and Moscow has raised alarm in the international community, with concerns about potential escalations in both the Ukraine war and the already tense situation on the Korean Peninsula. Analysts warn that the solidifying of such military ties could embolden both regimes, further complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts.
As the world watches the emerging geopolitical alignment with concern, North Korea’s open military involvement in Ukraine and its full-throated support for Russia underscore a critical shift in global power dynamics—one that could reshape alliances and conflicts in the years to come.
