North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has affirmed Russia’s right to defend itself against Ukraine, stating that the use of long-range weapons by Kyiv is a result of direct military involvement by the United States. Kim’s comments came after a meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov on Friday, in which he expressed full support for Russia’s actions in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
During his meeting with Belousov, Kim Jong Un strongly criticized the United States and its Western allies, accusing them of instigating Ukraine to use long-range strike weapons against Russian territory. He emphasized that Russia’s military actions are justified as a form of self-defence. According to North Korea’s state-run KCNA news agency, Kim stated, “The DPRK government, army and people will invariably support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity from the imperialists' moves for hegemony.”
Kim's stance on the conflict aligns with North Korea’s broader diplomatic approach of supporting nations opposed to U.S. hegemony, particularly Russia. He underscored the importance of maintaining Russia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty against what he described as "imperialistic moves" by the West.
Kim also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Russia, particularly in military affairs. The two countries had previously signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, which includes a mutual defence pact, during a summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. As part of this agreement, North Korea pledged to expand cooperation with Russia, including in the area of defence.
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Kim’s comments came amid growing concerns about North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly regarding military aid. Reports from South Korea's spy agency indicate that North Korea has supplied over 10,000 containers of ammunition, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers to Russia. Additionally, North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed to the frontlines in Russia, particularly in the Kursk region, where Russian forces are fighting Ukrainian troops.
There is no official confirmation from the North Korean government about the deployment of troops to Russia, nor did Kim address the issue during his meeting with Belousov. However, the growing military cooperation between the two nations has raised alarms in the international community.
Kim’s meeting with Belousov and his strong statements of support for Russia reflect the deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Since their summit in September 2023, the relationship between the two countries has strengthened, with both sides benefiting from closer military and economic cooperation.
The escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been marked by the increasing involvement of the United States, which has supplied Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles. Earlier this month, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine, enabling strikes on Russian territory. This move was met with retaliation from Russia, which has targeted Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure in response.
Kim Jong Un’s remarks underscore the ideological divide between Russia and the West, with both Moscow and Pyongyang accusing the U.S. of exacerbating global tensions. Kim's support for Russia is part of a broader narrative in North Korea that positions the U.S. as an imperial power seeking to dominate global affairs.
Kim’s statements and North Korea’s ongoing support for Russia have significant implications for global power dynamics. The relationship between North Korea and Russia is not just limited to military cooperation but also encompasses broader geopolitical considerations. As both countries face increasing pressure from the West, they are likely to continue strengthening their partnership as a counterbalance to U.S. influence in global affairs.
In addition to military aid, North Korea has expressed a desire to deepen ties with Russia in other areas, such as economic cooperation and technology transfer. This partnership could potentially shift the balance of power in Northeast Asia, as both nations seek to challenge the influence of the U.S. and its allies in the region.
The mutual defence agreement signed by Kim and Putin earlier this year further solidifies this growing alliance. The pact is expected to provide both nations with strategic benefits, including enhanced military collaboration and joint efforts to counter perceived threats from the West.
In response to Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied weapons, Russia has intensified its military actions, targeting Ukrainian infrastructure in an attempt to cripple its ability to wage war. The use of long-range weapons, such as ATACMS missiles, by Ukraine has prompted Russia to retaliate with strikes on military facilities, energy plants, and supply lines.
Moscow has framed these actions as necessary steps to defend its sovereignty and protect its territorial integrity. Russian officials have consistently argued that the use of advanced weaponry by Ukraine, facilitated by the U.S. and other NATO allies, escalates the conflict and makes diplomacy more challenging.
Russia’s military strategy is focused on weakening Ukraine’s ability to continue its military operations, while also maintaining pressure on the West to halt the flow of arms to Ukraine. At the same time, Russia seeks to solidify its territorial gains in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, which it claims are critical for its long-term security.
The growing military and strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea is likely to have far-reaching consequences for regional and global stability. As both nations continue to bolster their alliance, they are expected to deepen their collaboration in various sectors, including military technology, intelligence sharing, and economic support.
For North Korea, aligning with Russia provides an opportunity to secure vital resources, including weapons and advanced military technology. Russia, in turn, benefits from North Korea’s support in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, as well as from the potential for increased economic cooperation with Pyongyang.
The relationship between the two countries will likely evolve in response to shifting geopolitical realities. As tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate, it is possible that the Russia-North Korea alliance will play a more prominent role in shaping the future of global geopolitics.
In conclusion, Kim Jong Un’s comments on Russia’s right to self-defence against Ukraine reflect the growing solidarity between North Korea and Russia in the face of Western pressure. While North Korea continues to support Russia’s military efforts, the long-term implications of this partnership could significantly impact global power dynamics, particularly in Northeast Asia and beyond. The evolving relationship between these two nations is one to watch as the global geopolitical landscape continues to shift.
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