North Korea Backs Russia on Ukraine, Vows Unconditional Support

05 June, 2025:

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged unwavering backing to Russian President Vladimir Putin against Ukraine, according to the North's state media on Thursday, highlighting the deepening cooperation between the two countries.

In a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed “unconditional support” for Russia’s foreign policy, particularly on contentious global matters such as the Ukraine conflict, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “affirmed that the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would unconditionally support Russia’s position and foreign policy on all major international issues, including the Ukraine conflict,” the KCNA reported, using the country’s official name.

The two discussed strengthening strategic ties and reached an agreement on Ukraine and other undisclosed international issues, KCNA reported, without providing further details.

In April, both countries confirmed that North Korean troops were deployed to Russia for the first time, fighting alongside Russian forces against a reported Ukrainian incursion in the Kursk region. President Putin thanked North Korea for its contribution and promised their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

Meanwhile, South Korea, the United States, and their allies believe Russia has provided military and economic aid to North Korea in return for its support. They fear the partnership could extend to the transfer of advanced technologies that may help Pyongyang strengthen its nuclear weapons program aimed at regional rivals.