Kim Jong Un Pledges Unconditional Support to Russia in Ukraine Conflict During Lavrov’s Visit

Kokcha News Agency: During a high-level meeting in Wonsan, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his country’s unwavering support for Russia’s efforts in the Ukraine conflict, according to state media reports. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is on a three-day visit to North Korea, where the two nations discussed deepening their strategic partnership, including military cooperation.

Kim Jong Un met Lavrov in Wonsan, where the two countries’ foreign ministers held their second strategic dialogue. Kim emphasized that North Korea is ready to “unconditionally support and encourage all the measures taken by the Russian leadership” in addressing the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, as reported by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA.

Lavrov and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui also issued a joint statement pledging mutual support for each other’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Lavrov described the relationship between Russia and North Korea as “an invincible fighting brotherhood” and thanked Kim for the troops and arms North Korea has provided to Russia’s war effort.

Relations between Russia and North Korea have significantly deepened since the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. North Korea has reportedly sent over 10,000 troops and military equipment to support Russia’s campaign. Additionally, Kim’s government has pledged to send around 6,000 military engineers and builders to assist in reconstruction efforts in Russia’s Kursk region.