North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told Russia’s top diplomat that Pyongyang is ready to offer unconditional support for all of Moscow’s actions in the Ukraine war. The announcement came from state-run media, following high-level strategic talks between the two nations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is currently in North Korea on a three-day visit. North Korea has already provided troops and weapons to support Russia’s war in Ukraine and has pledged further military assistance as Moscow seeks to gain ground in the conflict.
Kim met Lavrov in the eastern coastal city of Wonsan, where Lavrov and his North Korean counterpart, Choe Son-hui, held their second round of strategic talks. Both sides reaffirmed commitments under a partnership treaty signed last year, which includes a mutual defense agreement.
According to North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, Kim told Lavrov that the steps taken by allied nations in response to the rapidly changing global geopolitical landscape are making a significant contribution to ensuring peace and security around the world.
KCNA stated, “Kim Jong-un reaffirmed that North Korea is ready to unconditionally support and encourage all measures taken by the Russian leadership to address the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry also posted a video on Telegram showing the two leaders greeting each other with a handshake and an embrace.
Kim’s Troops in Russia
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Reuters reports that since 2022, North Korea has supplied over 10,000 troops and arms to support Russian operations in Ukraine, and plans to send an additional 6,000 military engineers to Russia’s Kursk region.
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Another Reuters article states estimates of 10,000–12,000 troops sent last fall, with 3,000–4,000 more earlier this year.
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AP News notes an estimated 10,000–12,000 soldiers were dispatched last fall, plus another 3,000 deployed this year .
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Reuters reported North Korea confirmed deployment of around 14,000 troops.
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A Wall Street Journal report echoes this, saying approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent, especially to southern Russia’s Kursk region
