Kim Jong Un Reaffirms North Korea’s Support for Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly pledged his nation’s unwavering support for Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine. This commitment was made during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The visit of the Russian military delegation, which commenced with Belousov’s arrival in Pyongyang, comes amid heightened international scrutiny over the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia. Notably, North Korea has already provided thousands of troops to assist Russia’s military efforts.
During the Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov discussed enhancing their strategic partnership, focusing on mutual defense of sovereignty and security interests, especially in the context of evolving international security dynamics.
According to KCNA, Kim articulated that North Korea ‘will invariably support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity from the imperialists’ moves for hegemony.’ Both nations have characterized Russia’s military actions in Ukraine as a countermeasure against NATO’s eastward expansion and perceived threats from the United States.
In response to recent U.S. military support to Ukraine, Kim criticized the decision to allow Ukraine the capability to strike inside Russian territory, labeling it as direct interference in the conflict. He further commended Russian actions as ‘timely and effective measures,’ reflecting a shared narrative between the two nations.
Reports from U.S., Ukrainian, and South Korean intelligence suggest that over 10,000 North Korean troops have been dispatched to Russia, some already engaging in frontline combat. Despite denials from both North Korea and Russia regarding reports of troop movements and weapons transfers, concerns remain about the potential exchange of advanced military technology between the two nations.
Shin Wonsik, South Korea’s national security adviser, recently indicated that Russia may have provided air defense systems and economic aid to North Korea, possibly aiding in the development of a reliable surveillance infrastructure.
Belousov’s discussions also included North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol, further stressing the importance of their military alliance. The two countries previously solidified their military collaboration in June, signing a treaty obligating them to provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked.
This meeting marks a significant continuation of North Korea and Russia’s growing military and political alliance, raising alarms within the international community over the potential escalation of this partnership in the context of ongoing global conflicts.
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