Kim Jong Un backs Russia's war efforts

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed support for Russia's military actions during a meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, characterizing Ukraine's use of long-range weapons as direct US military intervention. Kim endorsed Russia's right to self-defense and pledged to strengthen bilateral ties across all sectors, including military cooperation.

The meeting follows the comprehensive strategic partnership signed between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, which includes mutual defense commitments. According to South Korean intelligence, North Korea has already supplied Russia with substantial military aid, including over 10,000 containers of ammunition, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers since their leaders' summit in September 2023.

Belousov praised North Korea's "absolutely independent foreign policy" during the visit, which included a banquet and concert. While state media made no mention of North Korean troop deployment to Russia, US and South Korean officials claim that Pyongyang has sent more than 10,000 soldiers to support Russia's Ukraine campaign.

Analysts suggest North Korea is using the Ukraine conflict to realign its foreign policy, positioning itself as a supplier of weapons, military support, and labor within the Russian war economy. This strategy could potentially reduce North Korea's traditional dependence on China. The partnership also offers North Korea access to Russian natural resources and the possibility of gaining advanced military technology and combat experience for its troops.

The strengthening alliance is formalized in the June treaty, which requires both nations to provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked and to jointly oppose Western sanctions. Belousov's expertise in long-term strategies for securing weapons, evading sanctions, and overseeing post-war reconstruction makes him particularly valuable in advancing these bilateral arrangements.