North Korea Vows Support for Russia’s ‘Victory’ in Ukraine as Military Ties Deepen

Amid growing military ties, Pyongyang Vowed unwavering support for Moscow’s campaign in Ukraine and warns of escalating nuclear threats in the Korean Peninsula

North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui vows unwavering support for Russia’s victory in the Ukraine conflict, affirming the countries’ close military ties during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.

“Our historically friendly relations are reaching a new level of invincible military comradeship,”

Choe said, crediting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin for solidifying this alliance. She expressed confidence that, under Putin’s leadership, Russia will secure a “great victory” to protect its sovereignty and security.

Choe also underscored that Pyongyang would stand by Russia “until the day of victory” against Ukraine. Lavrov welcomed Choe’s remarks, praising the “very close ties” between their militaries, which enable both nations to tackle key security issues together.

Notably, neither Lavrov nor Choe addressed recent claims by the United States, NATO, South Korea, and Ukraine that North Korea has dispatched approximately 10,000 troops to Russia, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reporting that 8,000 of these troops are stationed in Russia’s Kursk region near the Ukrainian border. When questioned, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting further.

Lavrov voiced Russia’s gratitude for North Korea’s stance on the conflict, accusing the West of advancing NATO eastward and “supporting a racist regime” against Russia. Both officials noted the importance of their countries’ 2023 defense treaty, which includes mutual defense provisions, as a framework to strengthen their strategic alliance.

On a separate front, Choe accused the U.S. and South Korea of plotting nuclear strikes against North Korea, without providing evidence, and warned that tensions on the Korean Peninsula could become “explosive.” To counter perceived threats, she said Pyongyang is committed to enhancing its nuclear arsenal and maintaining a high state of readiness for potential retaliation.

Moscow, which launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has not confirmed or denied the presence of North Korean troops on its territory, with Putin stating that the implementation of the treaty with Kim is a matter of Russian discretion.