North Korean Leader Meets Russian Defense Minister, Backs War Against Ukraine

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held a pivotal meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, affirming increased military cooperation between the two nations.

According to media reports, the meeting, held on Friday, underscored mutual interests in strengthening defense ties. During the discussions, Kim Jong-un pledged North Korea’s “full support” for Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.

North Korea’s state-run news agency emphasized the strategic importance of Belousov’s visit. It described the talks as a cornerstone for enhancing both nations’ defense capabilities, fostering friendly bilateral relations, and fortifying ties between their military forces.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have previously labeled NATO’s eastward expansion and U.S.-led initiatives as reckless provocations. North Korea had already expressed support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, framing them as a defensive response to Western aggression.

Kim Jong-un criticized the West’s decision to supply Ukraine with advanced missile systems for attacks on Russia, terming it “direct military interference” in the conflict. He further asserted that Russia’s decisive measures to make adversaries “pay the price” were a legitimate exercise of its right to self-defense.

Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia and North Korea have bolstered their military partnership. Facing international sanctions—Russia for its war in Ukraine and North Korea for its nuclear weapons program—the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement earlier this year.

The agreement outlines provisions for mutual military assistance in case of external aggression and collaborative efforts to counter Western-imposed sanctions.

North Korea’s potential deployment of troops to Russia has raised regional concerns, pushing South Korea to strengthen its security ties with Ukraine.

Kim Jong-un’s statements underscore the growing alignment between Russia and North Korea, signaling a shared resolve to challenge Western dominance and enhance strategic cooperation in an increasingly polarized global order.