Kim Jong Un declares unconditional support for Russia in the war in Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged "unconditional support" to Russia in all areas, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, as announced by the official North Korean news agency. This announcement came after a meeting between Kim and Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu in Pyongyang. During the meeting, attended by senior officials, Kim affirmed his support for Russia's stance and foreign policies on critical international political issues, expressing confidence and optimism that Russia will achieve a "decisive victory for justice" in the Ukrainian conflict. The Russian Embassy in North Korea stated that both sides discussed cooperation in various fields, exchanged views on the situations in Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula, expressing their desire to expand and strengthen their bilateral relations into a strong and comprehensive strategic partnership. Shoigu praised North Korea's efforts in sending forces to fight alongside the Russian army in the battle to liberate the Russian city of Kursk from Ukrainian forces, which had temporarily gained control before being reclaimed by Russian forces with North Korean support in April 2025. Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang was at the direction of Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking his second visit in less than three months. During the visit, Shoigu met with North Korean military official Pak Jong Chon to discuss the implementation of the partnership treaty between the two countries and honor Korean fighters who participated in the liberation of Kursk. In April 2025, North Korea announced the deployment of its forces on the Ukrainian front in support of Moscow, and signed a joint defense agreement with Russia during Putin's visit to Pyongyang last year. Meanwhile, Pyongyang defended its military cooperation with Russia, emphasizing that this relationship aims to "ensure peace and stability" in Europe and Asia amid escalating tensions in the region.