Kim reaffirms support for Russia's Ukraine war
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his "invariable support" for Russia's war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, according to North Korean state media reports.
The high-level talks came shortly after South Korean intelligence assessed in late February that North Korea had likely deployed additional troops to Russia to supplement forces that have suffered heavy casualties in Ukraine. This development occurs against the backdrop of a tentative ceasefire agreement reached in principle between Ukraine and Russia following discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, though implementation details remain unclear.
During their meeting, Kim and Shoigu discussed the Ukraine conflict, Moscow's dialogues with the Trump administration, and Korean Peninsula security issues. Both officials emphasized their commitment to the mutual defense treaty signed during a summit last year, which pledges assistance if either nation faces aggression.
Shoigu delivered a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing gratitude for North Korea's "solidarity with Russia's position on all critical geopolitical issues, particularly on the Ukrainian issue." Putin also promised "utmost attention" to implementing previously reached agreements.
Intelligence sources from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine indicate North Korea has supplied significant conventional weaponry to Russia and deployed approximately 10,000-12,000 troops since last fall, with recent intelligence suggesting an additional 1,000-3,000 soldiers may have been sent. Experts believe North Korea is likely receiving economic and military benefits in exchange.
Some observers speculate Shoigu's visit may be preparing for a potential visit by Kim to Moscow, following Putin's invitation during his Pyongyang trip last year.
The meeting coincided with North Korea's test-launch of new anti-aircraft missiles, which Kim described as another major defense weapons system.
