North Korea’s Kim Offers Unconditional Support for Russia’s War Against Ukraine
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged “unconditional support” for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. The visit comes amid increased military cooperation, including North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia. Both nations aim to bolster their strategic partnership, while concerns grow over technological transfers that could enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
In a notable development, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced to a visiting Russian official that his country will offer “unconditional support” for Russia’s military operations against Ukraine. This statement, reported by North Korea’s state media on Thursday, underscores the growing collaboration between the two nations amid ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe.
The relationship has seen significant developments lately. In April, both nations confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia for the first time. They indicated that their forces were working together to counter Ukrainian advances in the Kursk border area of Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously expressed gratitude towards North Korea for its involvement, vowing to honor their contributions.
During a meeting in Pyongyang with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Kim reiterated his nation’s commitment to Russia’s stance on various international issues, specifically mentioning Ukraine. According to the official Korean Central News Agency, they discussed strengthening their strategic partnership and reached agreements regarding not only Ukraine but other global situations too. Further details were not disclosed.
According to the Russian state news agency Tass, the talks also covered plans to rebuild the Kursk area and celebrate the role of North Korean soldiers. This comes alongside Russia’s claim in April 2025 that it has regained full control of the Kursk region, although Ukraine contends that its forces still maintain a presence in the area.
Security Council Secretary Shoigu previously visited North Korea in March, but the exact number of North Korean troops stationed in Russia remains unclear. Intelligence reports from U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian officials suggest that North Korea may have dispatched between 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia last autumn, marking their return to significant military engagements since the Korean War.
Recently, South Korean authorities revealed that North Korea sent an additional approximately 3,000 troops to the country earlier this year. Furthermore, North Korea has been actively supplying Russia with a considerable quantity of conventional arms, which raises alarm among South Korea and other allied nations. They fear that Russia may in turn offer military and economic support, including the potential transfer of advanced technology that could enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, which are directed against its adversaries.
The strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia reflect a calculated alignment amidst global geopolitical shifts. Kim Jong Un’s pledge of “unconditional support” for Russia’s actions in Ukraine represents more than just rhetoric; it signals a deeper military collaboration. With North Korea potentially augmenting Russian military efforts while also receiving support in return, regional tensions look poised to intensify as both sides navigate this complex partnership.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
