North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly justified his country’s participation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, describing it as a legitimate exercise of sovereign rights and an act of solidarity with a "brother nation," according to state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday.
Speaking at a Victory Day celebration hosted by the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on May 9, Kim declared that North Korea’s actions fall well within its national rights. He praised the soldiers involved in the "Kursk operation," calling them heroes and symbols of the Republic’s honor. This marks a rare and direct acknowledgment of North Korea’s military support for Russia.
Kim further warned that Pyongyang is prepared to respond with force if the United States continues what he labeled as "military provocations" against Russia. His remarks highlight the deepening alliance between North Korea and Russia amid global tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.
Although North Korea only officially confirmed in late April 2025 that it had sent more than 10,000 troops and weaponry to Russia, intelligence reports and satellite imagery had long suggested growing cooperation between the two nations. Their partnership was solidified last year through a sweeping strategic agreement signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, dramatically enhancing military and political ties.
The statement underscores a significant shift in North Korea’s foreign policy posture, openly aligning with Moscow in a global conflict and defying international sanctions and condemnation. As the war in Ukraine continues to reshape global alliances, Pyongyang's support for Russia raises fresh concerns for the West and adds a new layer of complexity to regional security dynamics in both Europe and the Korean Peninsula.