North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Pledges Unconditional Support for Russia in Ukraine War

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Pledges Unconditional Support for Russia in Ukraine War

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged unconditional support for Russia, including in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a report released Thursday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

During a meeting on Wednesday in Pyongyang with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, Kim reaffirmed his country’s commitment to backing Moscow.

KCNA stated that Kim vowed to act responsibly in accordance with the provisions of the mutual defense agreement signed between the two countries.

He also referenced the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June last year.

During the meeting, both sides agreed on their assessment of the situation in Ukraine and reiterated their commitment to transforming the relationship into a “strong and broad strategic partnership.”

Russia’s TASS news agency reported that the discussions included reconstruction efforts in Russia’s Kursk border region, as well as steps to commemorate “the heroism of North Korean soldiers.”

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing unnamed experts, reported that the meeting may also have touched on the future of inter-Korean relations and the political situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The meeting took place on the same day that Lee Jae-myung, South Korea’s new president, was sworn into office.