Camilla Jessen
North Korean leader assures Moscow of certain victory, strengthens ties with Russia in Wonsan meeting.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assured Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of his “unconditional” support in the war against Ukraine, considering Moscow’s victory “certain,” North Korea’s official press reported on Sunday, according to AFP and Agerpres.
According to the KCNA news agency, Kim received Lavrov “in an atmosphere of trust and warm camaraderie,” at a time when North Korea and Russia are strengthening their diplomatic and military ties.
The Russian Foreign Ministry published a video on Telegram showing the two men shaking hands and hugging.
Moscow and Pyongyang signed a mutual defense pact last year, and North Korea sent thousands of soldiers to help retake the Kursk region, which was captured by the Ukrainian army in the summer of 2024.
North Korea also supplies Russia with shells and missiles.
KCNA reported that Kim told Lavrov that Pyongyang is “ready to unconditionally support and encourage all measures taken by Russian leaders to root out the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis.”
He also expressed his “firm belief that the Russian army and people will achieve a sure victory in fulfilling the sacred cause of defending the country’s dignity and fundamental interests.”
The two also discussed “important issues for the faithful implementation of the agreements reached” at their 2024 summit, when the defense pact was signed during a visit to North Korea by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Lavrov said that Putin hopes to “continue direct contacts” with Kim Jong Un “as soon as possible,” according to the Russian TASS agency.
The Kremlin was asked this week about the possibility of a visit to Russia by the North Korean leader, but responded that no such visit was currently planned.
The meeting between Kim and Lavrov took place in Wonsan, on North Korea’s east coast, where a major tourist complex was recently inaugurated.
