Kim Jong-un Vows Military Support for Russia, Citing Western Threats
Supreme leader Kim Jong-un has pledged direct military support to Russia in the event of future Western-backed attacks, including potential Ukrainian offensives. His remarks were made during a ceremony at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on Friday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II.
Pyongyang Honors Soviet Sacrifice, Reinforces Moscow Ties
According to KCNA (Korean Central News Agency), Kim paid tribute to Soviet soldiers by laying flowers at the Eternal Flame monument, accompanied by senior North Korean officials including Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, and his daughter.
In a speech reported by KCNA, Kim praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “seasoned leader” and a “close friend and comrade,” and reaffirmed North Korea’s strategic commitment to its ally.
“The revival of Nazism cannot be tolerated. Ukraine’s actions are the hysterical aggression of the Kiev neo-Nazis,” Kim stated.
Military Cooperation and the Kursk Campaign
Comrade Kim confirmed that North Korean troops had aided Russian forces in defending Kursk Region, referencing the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang. That agreement, he said, permits joint military operations in the event of an external attack.
“Should the West and its proxies attempt another assault on Russian territory using inferior weapons, I will not hesitate to authorize the use of the DPRK’s armed forces to repel the enemy,” Kim warned.
This marks a rare and explicit public commitment by Pyongyang to potential future battlefield involvement alongside Russia.
North Korean Commanders Attend Moscow Victory Day Parade
Comrade Kim’s statement followed the participation of North Korean military commanders in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, where President Putin expressed gratitude for their contribution to recent operations in Kursk.
The Russian Ministry of Defense had previously acknowledged the role of North Korean personnel in repelling a major Ukrainian incursion, which it claims resulted in over 70,000 Ukrainian casualties and extensive equipment losses.
Strategic Implications of the Alliance
Russia and North Korea have significantly deepened their ties over the past year, with both nations accusing the United States and NATO of provoking instability. Western intelligence agencies have expressed concern about military technology exchanges and direct troop deployments under the new treaty framework.
While Moscow insists it is open to negotiations with Ukraine, it maintains that any ceasefire must prevent foreign rearmament of Ukrainian forces. Pyongyang, for its part, appears increasingly willing to act on its defense commitments to Russia.