North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged unconditional support to Russia over its war in Ukraine during talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to North Korean state media. The meeting, held in the eastern city of Wonsan, took place in what was described as an atmosphere of “warm comradely trust.”
Kim stated that North Korea was fully committed to backing all measures taken by Moscow to address what he called “the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis.” Lavrov and North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui issued a joint statement reaffirming mutual support for territorial integrity and deepening cooperation.
Lavrov warned the US, South Korea, and Japan against forming a security alliance targeting North Korea and accused them of military buildup in the region. He also acknowledged Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, saying Russia “respects” North Korea’s aspirations and understands its motivations.
Lavrov’s visit comes as Russia and North Korea strengthen military and political ties, with new Moscow–Pyongyang flights starting soon. Lavrov praised Wonsan’s newly opened beach resort, calling it a promising tourist destination for Russians.
Meanwhile, Russia launched another wave of aerial attacks on Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and long-range missiles, killing at least six people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as “deliberate terror tactics.” Ukrainian forces reportedly downed 319 drones and 25 missiles, but several hit key cities including Chernivtsi, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk.
Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency for Western allies to go beyond symbolic gestures. He revealed that Ukraine was close to securing a new deal on Patriot missile systems, and increased domestic production of air defense systems was underway.
As ceasefire talks stall and US special envoy Keith Kellogg prepares for a new visit to Kyiv, Zelenskyy urged tougher sanctions on entities aiding Russia, particularly in drone production and oil revenue.
