"Strategic Alignment Amidst Controversy" North Korea solidly backs Russia's offensive in Ukraine
North Korea Expresses Unwavering Support for Russia's Unconditional Military Action in Ukraine
According to state media, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has promised Russia unwavering support in its war against Ukraine, expressing his belief in Russia's triumph in the conflict. Kim and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met in Pyongyang, during which Kim also declared North Korea's commitment to fully support Russia's stance on all significant international political issues, including the Ukraine matter.
Politics Rising Relationship "Strengthening the partnership in the face of global opposition" Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang, as per Russian President Vladimir Putin's orders, marked his second trip to the city within three months. In March, Shoigu commended the recent strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea as mutually advantageous for both countries.
Russia and North Korea have developed a closer relationship in recent years, with the latter providing military aid to help Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Indications of this alliance include the deployment of North Korean troops and the exchange of weaponry, with Russia supplying air defense systems and advanced missiles to North Korea.
Military Rising Tensions "The escalating weaponry exchange between Russia and North Korea" This military involvement has been widely criticized by the international community and violates existing sanctions regimes. In fact, a report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) has highlighted ongoing concerns related to mutual arms transfers, troop and labor deployments, and financial transactions that support Russia's ongoing war effort.
Detailed Support
- Troop Deployment: North Korean troops were confirmed to have been deployed to Russia in April 2025 and were involved in repelling Ukrainian incursions into Russia’s Kursk region[3][1][5].
- Mutual Arms Transfers: North Korea has provided Russia with military equipment and weapons, while Russia has supplied North Korea with advanced air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, and electronic warfare equipment[2].
- Operational Collaboration: In addition to troops and arms, North Korean engagement extends to labor deployments and financial transactions aimed at bolstering Russia’s war efforts[2].
- Political Backing: Kim Jong Un has pledged unconditional support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, intending to counteract U.S. influence worldwide[3][5][1].
North Korea's unwavering support for Russia's offensive in Ukraine thus presents a multi-faceted and significant component of the ongoing crisis, involving military, political, and economic collaborations that violate international sanctions[2][3][1].
- Wars and Conflicts
- Attack on Ukraine
- North Korea
- Russia
The European Union, in line with its common policy on the environment, has expressed concern over the escalating war-and-conflicts in Ukraine due to Russia's offensive, and is closely monitoring the political dynamics between Russia and North Korea. Despite this, North Korea remains firm in its commitment to support Russia, stating its readiness to stand with Russia on all general-news related to significant international political issues, including the Ukraine matter.
