North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to provide "unconditional support" to Russia in all areas, including its war in Ukraine, according to Pyongyang's official announcement.
Kim’s Statement to Russian Officials
North Korea’s official news agency reported that Kim told Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu that Pyongyang would offer unconditional backing for Russia’s stance and foreign policies on all crucial international political issues, including the Ukraine conflict.
Kim also expressed confidence and optimism that Russia, as always, will achieve a decisive victory in the pursuit of justice.
Expanding Strategic Ties
Both sides agreed to continue expanding relations dynamically, according to the same source.
The Russian Embassy in Pyongyang issued a statement confirming that Kim and Shoigu discussed cooperation across various fields and exchanged views on the situation surrounding the Ukrainian crisis and the Korean Peninsula.
Military Cooperation & North Korean Troops in Russia
The North Korean Central News Agency reported that Shoigu thanked Kim for sending troops to fight alongside the Russian army in its battle to "liberate Russia’s Kursk region from Ukrainian forces."
Both sides expressed their desire to expand and develop relations into a strong and comprehensive strategic partnership.
Shoigu also met with North Korean military official Pak Jong Chon, according to the Russian Embassy.
Recent Visits & Strengthening Alliances
Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang was made on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to TASS News Agency. This marks his second trip to North Korea in less than three months.
Pyongyang defended its military cooperation with Moscow, stating that the relationship is aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Europe and Asia.
Russian Security Council's Role
Russia’s Security Council, which regularly meets under President Vladimir Putin, previously announced that Shoigu’s visit to North Korea would focus on implementing certain provisions of the partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea, and he would also participate in honoring North Korean fighters who fought in Kursk.
North Korean Troops Fighting in Ukraine
A unit of North Korean soldiers was deployed to fight alongside Russian forces against Ukrainian troops in Russia’s border region with Ukraine.
In summer 2024, the Ukrainian army briefly seized part of the Kursk region in a swift offensive, but Russian forces, reinforced by North Korean troops, regained full control in April 2025.
Deepening Russia-North Korea Military Ties
Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened their military cooperation in recent years, with North Korea supplying Russia with equipment and personnel to support its war in Ukraine.
The two nations signed a mutual defense agreement during Putin’s rare visit to North Korea last year.
In April, North Korea officially confirmed the deployment of its troops on the Ukrainian front alongside Russian forces.