DPRK leader vows to 'invariably support' Russia in Ukraine war
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In a powerful statement, DPRK leader Kim Jong Un reaffirms DPRK's unwavering support for Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
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In this photo provided by the DPRK government, DPRK leader Kim Jong Un speaks as he visits an Air Force helicopter unit to praise the troops for helping rescue people from recent floods, at an undisclosed location in North Korea, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (AP)
DPRK leader Kim Jong Un reiterated his country's commitment to "invariably support" Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to state media reports on Saturday.
Kim made the statement during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Beloussov in Pyongyang on Friday.
He praised the strengthening ties between the two nations across various sectors, particularly in defense. DPRK leader described Russia's recent military actions in Ukraine as a "timely and effective measure" to alert the US, the West, and Ukraine about the seriousness of the situation, as well as Russia’s resolve to take strong counteractions.
He also expressed his support for Russia's efforts to protect its "sovereignty and territorial integrity" against the "imperialists' moves for hegemony."
Kim emphasized his commitment to further enhancing bilateral relations in politics, the economy, and military cooperation, in line with the agreements made at the DPRK-Russia summit in Pyongyang earlier this year.
Why it matters
Beloussov's visit came amid allegations from the US, South Korea, and Ukraine that DPRK had deployed thousands of troops to aid Russia in its war with Ukraine.
In June, DPRK and Russia signed a strategic partnership agreement, pledging mutual military support in the event of third-party aggression.
Recently, South Korea’s intelligence agency claimed that DPRK had supplied Russia with additional self-propelled howitzers and rocket launchers.
The allied states ratified earlier in November the landmark defense pact, deepening security cooperation. The agreement formalizes months of tightening military bonds between the two nations.
Putin hailed the deal in June as a "breakthrough document". He added, “The document on comprehensive partnership that we signed today provides, among other things, for mutual aid in case of aggression against one of the participants."
The Russian leader stated that Moscow supports Pyongyang’s right to protect its security and sovereignty from potential Western aggression. He also attributed the rising tensions in the region to the actions of the US and its allies.
It is worth noting that both nations face extensive UN sanctions—the DPRK for its nuclear weapons program and Russia for the Ukraine war—which has brought them closer.
