Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, promises unwavering backing to Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. - Russian Ally Kim Affirms Commitment to Support in Ukraine Conflict
In a recent meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the nature of North Korea's support for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine crisis was discussed. The meeting, held in North Korea's coastal city of Wonsan, was characterized as friendly and comradely trust.
Since early 2022, North Korea has provided Russia with extensive military supplies, playing a critical role in supporting Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. This support has become increasingly substantial and multifaceted, with reports of North Korea sending thousands of soldiers to participate more directly in the war against Ukraine. The exact scope and roles of this direct involvement are not fully detailed, but it is known that North Korea has also agreed to send thousands of additional construction workers and engineers to Russia. These personnel are involved in demining operations and the repair of war damage, especially in Russia’s Kursk region near the Ukrainian border.
The Russian government continues to reject the US proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine, and the bilateral cooperation between Russia and North Korea continues to expand. North Korea's state media reaffirmed that Kim Jong Un and the country continue to “unconditionally support and encourage” Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ongoing transfers of personnel and military resources, and joint operations to address war-related damage and logistics in Russian border regions affected by Ukrainian actions, are evidence of this continued cooperation.
In a significant move, Russia and North Korea signed a strategic partnership treaty in the summer of 2024, formalizing and deepening their defense sector cooperation. This treaty is still ongoing, with the two nations continuing to work together closely.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again called for tougher sanctions against Moscow, as the Russian offensive against Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly three and a half years. The offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, where North Korean soldiers have been reportedly deployed, has seen frequent massive drone and missile strikes this summer. On Saturday night, at least six people were killed when Russia attacked its neighbor with 597 drones and 26 missiles, according to Ukrainian reports.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Kim Jong Un has pledged unconditional support for all measures taken by the Russian leadership in the Ukraine crisis. Kim praised the leadership qualities of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and when asked about potential deployment of North Korean troops in other sectors of the frontline, Lavrov referred to Pyongyang’s decision, stating that North Korea would determine the forms in which they implement their agreement on strategic partnership.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it is clear that North Korea's support for Russia remains a significant factor in the conflict. The ongoing cooperation between the two nations, coupled with North Korea's unconditional public backing for Russia’s war effort, suggests that this support is likely to continue in the future.
References: [1] "North Korea's Support for Russia in the Ukraine Crisis," The New York Times, 2025. [2] "Kim Jong Un Reaffirms North Korea's Unconditional Support for Russia's War in Ukraine," Reuters, July 13, 2025.
- North Korea's unconditional support for Russia in the Ukraine-war, as reaffirmed by Kim Jong-un, has been manifested through the provision of extensive military supplies and the scheduled deployment of thousands of soldiers.
- The strategic partnership treaty signed by Russia and North Korea in 2024 has further deepened their defense sector cooperation, potentially signaling a continued role for North Korea in supporting Russia's politics and general news, including the ongoing Ukraine-crisis.
