Russian authorities have once again confirmed their readiness to consider providing military support to North Korea if necessary
President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, emphasized that Moscow is capable of and prepared to offer Pyongyang the same assistance that North Korea previously received from Ukraine. According to him, Russia has a bilateral treaty with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which obligates the parties to assist each other if needed. Addressing journalists in Russian media and on the Telegram channel “Vy slushali Mayak,” Peskov stressed that, if required, Russia will fulfill its obligations and provide the necessary military aid. He highlighted that this treaty is of significant importance for both sides and was reaffirmed by recent events, including North Korean military participation in operations supporting Moscow. When asked whether North Korean troops receive salaries for their involvement in the war against Ukraine, Peskov declined to comment and reminded that this matter falls under the jurisdiction of Russia’s Ministry of Defense. However, he added that any details regarding the role and conditions of North Korean forces’ participation should be clarified directly with the Russian defense authorities. The background of this situation dates back several months when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un openly admitted that his country sent troops to Russia to participate in military operations against Ukraine. Additionally, Pyongyang actively supplies Moscow with weapons and military equipment, which has raised serious concerns in the West. Russian President Vladimir Putin later confirmed these facts, stating that several thousand North Korean soldiers are taking part in combat missions within the Russian army and expressing sincere gratitude to them for their support. He added that this demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of the bilateral agreement between the countries, as well as underscored the importance of cooperation in the challenging context of contemporary geopolitical realities. In response to these developments, the United States expressed concern and strongly condemned North Korea’s military involvement on Russia’s side. The State Department called on Moscow to immediately cease any military support and withdraw foreign troops from Ukraine, warning of possible sanctions and additional measures if such cooperation continues. Reports about North Korea’s active involvement in the war against Ukraine and its military backing of Russia are increasingly fueling international debates. Western countries insist that such cooperation only intensifies the conflict and undermines efforts toward peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, Moscow assures that all actions by Russia and its partners are driven by the necessity to protect national interests and to promote stability in the region. Thus, the situation surrounding the participation of North Korean forces in the Russia-Ukraine war remains complex and provocative for the international community, with Russia-North Korea relations continuing to develop amid the broader context of global political struggles.