North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed his “unconditional” support for all Russian actions taken in Ukraine, signalling an increasing bond between Pyongyang and Moscow despite escalated tensions with the West.
North Korean state media released on Saturday an announcement in which Kim pledged his “total backing” for what he termed as Russia’s efforts “to safeguard its sovereignty and strategic interests in Ukraine”. This declaration came during a high-level meeting between Kim and a Russian delegation that visited Pyongyang, led by an official close to President Vladimir Putin, that visited Pyongyang.
“North Korea pledges its full and unconditional support to Russia’s fight against Western aggression,” Kim was reported as saying. “This includes their recent steps taken against Ukraine.”
North Korea recently issued this pledge amid growing speculation that they have provided weapons such as artillery shells and short-range missiles to support Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. Although both Moscow and Pyongyang deny any formal arms deals between their countries, U.S. and South Korean intelligence reports indicate covert military cooperation between them.
Kim Jong Un’s direct support of Russia’s war efforts marks an unexpected change from North Korea’s traditional policy of diplomatic neutrality in global conflicts. Analysts speculate that Kim may be making this statement to strengthen relations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as both leaders find themselves increasingly isolated by Western-led international orders.
“Kim Jong Un recognizes an opportunity to form a more strategic alliance with Russia at a time when both regimes are subject to heavy international sanctions,” according to Dr. Yoon Seok-jin, senior fellow at Seoul-based Institute for Security and Foreign Affairs. This relationship goes beyond ideology – it is more about survival and leverage,” added Yoon Seok-jin.
Moscow responded warmly to Kim’s statements as evidence of their “enduring friendship and mutual respect” between their two nations. Russian Foreign Ministry officials stressed that Pyongyang-Russia cooperation does not violate any international laws despite concerns from NATO member nations and U.S. allies.
The Biden administration has expressed concerns over North Korea and Russia strengthening military ties, and issued an official statement from the White House warning all nations not to aid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as this would have serious repercussions for global peace and stability.
Ukrainian officials also denounced Kim’s statement, calling it an endorsement of aggression and war crimes by North Korea. Kyiv asked the international community to put additional pressure on North Korea to end any material or political support for Russia’s military campaign in Syria.
As the Ukraine conflict enters its third year, Pyongyang and Moscow’s geopolitical alignment is indicative of a shifting global landscape–one where authoritarian regimes forge new alliances despite Western sanctions, rules, and norms.
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