Kim Jong Un assured Shoigu of the justification for Russia’s support in the war against Ukraine
In the context of current global geopolitical conflicts and the strengthening of military cooperation, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un once again expressed his support for Russia in its confrontation with Ukraine. This occurred during a recent meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, which took place in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. According to official sources and state news agencies, Kim Jong Un confirmed that his country plans to continue actively supporting Russia in its foreign policy initiatives and military efforts, including the ongoing war against Ukraine. According to reports from the KCNA agency and official Russian sources, the North Korean leader assured that his government would unconditionally adhere to the provisions of the bilateral strategic cooperation treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang, signed during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea on June 19, 2024. This document stipulates the provision of military and other assistance from one country to the other in the event of external armed aggression. Accordingly, Pyongyang commits to support Russia on all major international political issues, including the “Ukrainian question.” Special attention during the meeting was given to the situation in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region, where both sides reported that units of North Korean military personnel operated and participated in combat against the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The circumstances of their presence remain controversial; initially, Russian officials denied the involvement of foreign troops in the conflict, but by April 2025, the Russian Defense and Foreign Ministries acknowledged the participation of North Korean military personnel in the battles in the Kursk region. President Vladimir Putin officially confirmed this information at that time. In Pyongyang, they announced the “victorious conclusion” of the operation, during which Russia’s support in the war was presumably provided. Sources indicate that the meeting also discussed the issue of memorializing Korean soldiers who fought in this conflict, and expressions of gratitude were made for their combat spirit and contributions. Details of the negotiations, as well as signed agreements, demonstrate a firm political stance by Moscow and Pyongyang regarding mutual support in tense international circumstances. Experts analyze that the strategic partnership agreement signed last year has become a kind of guarantee for both Russia and North Korea amid internal and external challenges. This paves the way for the deepening of military and economic cooperation between the two countries, which is especially relevant given the international community’s increasing sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Russia due to its military intervention in Ukraine. It is evident that North Korea actively supports Russia not only in its conflict with Ukraine but also in its efforts to solidify its position in the global security system. This creates additional tension in the region and questions the balance of power on the world stage. According to analysts, cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has the potential for further continuation and deepening, considering the interests of both regimes in countering the Western world and maintaining their strategic alliances. Thus, the meeting between Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu not only confirmed existing military cooperation but also sent another signal to the international community regarding the strengthening of the alliance between these two authoritarian regimes during these challenging times for global stability.