Kim Jong-un Pledges Full Support for Russia's 'Sacred' Ukraine War Following High-Level Moscow Visit

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed Pyongyang's commitment to Russia's military operations in Ukraine, vowing to assist Moscow in achieving victory in what he described as a "sacred war." The declaration came after Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov visited North Korea on Sunday, marking another milestone in deepening military cooperation between the two nations.

During their meeting, Kim assured Belousov that North Korea "will as ever fully support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests," according to statements released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The North Korean leader expressed his "belief that the Russian army and people would surely win a victory in the just sacred war," the agency reported.

Expanding Military Partnership

Both delegations emphasized their intention to strengthen military collaboration, with Belousov signaling Moscow's readiness to formalize a cooperation agreement spanning 2027 to 2031. This development underscores the escalating military integration between Russia and North Korea.

The high-level engagement reflects the substantial resources each nation provides to the other. Intelligence assessments indicate that Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with missiles, ammunition, and thousands of troops to bolster operations in Ukraine. In return, analysts suggest Russia is furnishing North Korea with financial assistance, military technology, food supplies, and energy resources—critical support for the diplomatically isolated regime.

Honoring Fallen Soldiers

Kim, Belousov, and Russian parliamentary speaker Vyacheslav Volodin attended the inauguration of a memorial dedicated to North Korean service members who have died in the Ukraine conflict. During the ceremony, Kim paid tribute to their "unrivalled bravery, mass heroism, indomitable fighting spirit and noble sacrifice."

The commemoration included multiple ceremonial elements:

• A burial ceremony for fallen troops, during which Kim participated in rites honoring their "last heroic moments"
• A concert performance
• A fireworks display
• An aerial military demonstration

According to KCNA, attendees were moved by theatrical portrayals depicting "life-and-death bloody battles" and soldiers' "death-defying hand-to-hand fights and heroic suicidal explosions."

Casualties and Strategic Context

Seoul estimates approximately 2,000 North Korean personnel have been killed throughout the Ukraine conflict. Reports indicate that North Korean troops have been instructed to take their own lives rather than face capture. Only two North Korean soldiers have been taken prisoner and remain in Ukrainian custody.

The memorial's opening coincides with the first anniversary of Russia's recovery of territory in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a major counteroffensive in mid-2024. North Korean units played a significant role in repelling this advance. Kim commended Russia's "brilliant war results in liberating Kursk."

Russian President Vladimir Putin separately praised North Korean troops in a message to Kim, highlighting their "extraordinary bravery and genuine devotion."

Formal Military Alliance

The two nations formalized their military commitments through a treaty signed in 2024, which obligates both countries to provide military support "without delay" should either face attack.

Contrasting Diplomatic Approaches

While North Korea deepens its partnership with Russia, it has rejected overtures from South Korea. Pyongyang has designated Seoul as its "most hostile" adversary, despite diplomatic initiatives from the South.

On Monday, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung issued a conciliatory statement marking the anniversary of the 2018 inter-Korean summit, during which Kim and then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in made a symbolic crossing into each other's territory. Lee expressed his commitment to "proactively" rebuild trust with the North, stating: "We hope the North will trust the sincerity of our government and respond in kind."

He reiterated Seoul's broader aspirations, emphasizing "it was the destiny of both the South and the North to make the flowers of peace bloom." However, the 2018 summit's pledges toward an official conclusion to the Korean War subsequently stalled as inter-Korean tensions escalated.