North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly pledged military support to Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war.
On Friday, 29 Nov, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with Kim in Pyongyang, where Kim promised unwavering support for Moscow at any cost.
Analysts believe this stance, amid Western criticism over North Korea’s alleged troop deployment to assist Russia, could complicate the situation further.
During the visit, North Korea’s state media, KCNA, reported that Kim assured full backing for Russia’s sovereignty and defense.
This pledge comes as Russia and Ukraine continue their counterattacks. The West has repeatedly expressed concerns about Pyongyang’s involvement in aiding Moscow.
Kim also condemned U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly regarding long-range missile assistance, calling it provocative.
He praised Russia’s actions against Kyiv as timely and effective, reiterating North Korea’s earlier stance that Moscow’s military actions were self-defense.
The growing ties between North Korea and Russia have drawn sharp criticism globally, with some accusing Pyongyang of enabling war crimes.
Despite the backlash, Kim’s commitment to supporting Russia signals deepening military and strategic cooperation between the two nations.