**North Korea’s Strong Support for Russia in Ukraine War**
In a significant move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged “unconditional support” for Russia’s war against Ukraine. This announcement was made during a meeting with top Russian official Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang on June 4th, according to North Korean state media.
This development comes as no surprise, given the close ties between North Korea and Russia. Both countries have been cooperating closely in recent times, with North Korea supplying conventional weapons and troops to Russia in exchange for economic and military assistance from Moscow. In fact, South Korean, US, and allied officials have raised concerns that Russia may even transfer advanced technologies to help North Korea improve its nuclear capabilities.
**Kim’s Promise of Support**
During the meeting with Shoigu, Kim Jong Un declared his country’s unwavering support for Russia’s stance on Ukraine, including the ongoing invasion. This move is seen as a significant intensification of cooperation between the two countries. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim told Shoigu that North Korea would “unconditionally support the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all crucial international political issues, including the Ukrainian issue.”
**Troop Deployment and Military Presence**
The meeting with Shoigu comes as North Korea continues to deploy troops to Russia. In April 2025, it was officially confirmed that North Korean soldiers were fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine in Kursk Oblast. Intelligence from the US, South Korea, and Ukraine suggests that between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia last fall, with an additional 3,000 dispatched earlier this year.
**Ukraine’s Situation**
Despite Russia’s claims of full control over Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces continue to hold ground there. In a recent statement, Ukraine’s army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi emphasized that the situation in Kursk remains complex and dynamic.
**Implications**
The strong support from North Korea for Russia’s actions in Ukraine has significant implications. It could lead to further escalation of the conflict, potentially drawing in other countries and destabilizing regional security. The transfer of advanced technologies from Russia to North Korea also raises concerns about the latter’s nuclear capabilities, which have been a subject of concern for its regional adversaries.
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