SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his unwavering support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine during a meeting with Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, according to reports from the North’s state media on Saturday.
A Russian military delegation, led by Belousov, arrived in North Korea on Friday, coinciding with heightened global alarm regarding the increasing collaboration between the two nations. This comes after North Korea dispatched a significant number of troops to aid Russia’s efforts last month.
Reports state that during their meeting, Kim and Belousov reached a “satisfactory consensus” aimed at enhancing their strategic partnership and defending each country’s sovereignty, security interests, and notions of international justice amid the shifting landscape of global security.
Kim articulated that North Korea would steadfastly support the Russian Federation’s initiatives to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity against perceived imperialistic threats. The North has been vocal in its backing of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, asserting it as a necessary defense against what both nations describe as NATO’s aggressive eastward expansion and U.S. efforts to diminish Russia’s status as a formidable power.
Criticism was directed at a U.S. decision earlier this month, which permitted Ukraine to target sites within Russia using longer-range missiles supplied by the U.S. Kim described recent Russian counterattacks in Ukraine as “timely and effective measures” showcasing Russia’s determination.
Reports from U.S. and South Korean intelligence suggest that North Korea has contributed over 10,000 troops to Russia, with many now reportedly involved in frontline combat. Additionally, there are claims that North Korea has supplied artillery, missiles, and various conventional arms to replenish Russia’s dwindling military supplies.
Despite these claims, both North Korea and Russia have not officially acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops or any weapon transfers. Concerns persist among South Korea, the U.S., and their allies that in return for support, Russia might provide North Korea with advanced military technology, potentially assisting it in developing stronger nuclear capabilities.
In a recent television interview, South Korean National Security Adviser Shin Wonsik mentioned that Seoul assesses Russia has likely given North Korea air defense missile systems, coupled with economic aid and military technology necessary for enhancing North Korea’s surveillance capabilities in space.
Belousov’s visit also included a meeting with North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol. During a subsequent dinner banquet, he emphasized that the strategic ties between North Korea and Russia are vital to safeguarding their nations against aggression and the unpredictable actions of imperialist forces.
In June, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin formalized a treaty obligating both countries to provide immediate military support in the event either nation comes under attack, marking the most significant defense pact between the two since the Cold War’s conclusion.