SEOUL, June 5, 2025 — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reiterated his country’s “unconditional support” for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang. This statement underscores the deepening alliance between the two nations, formalized through a mutual defense treaty signed in June 2024. The treaty commits both countries to immediate military assistance if either faces armed aggression.  
During their discussions, Kim and Shoigu reviewed the progress of their strategic partnership, including joint military operations in the Kursk region of Russia, which Moscow claims to have fully reclaimed from Ukrainian forces. North Korean troops have been deployed in the region, fighting alongside Russian forces. Shoigu expressed gratitude for the “matchless heroism and self-sacrificing spirit” of North Korean soldiers in these operations.   
The alliance has raised concerns among Western nations, particularly regarding potential violations of United Nations sanctions. Reports indicate that North Korea has supplied Russia with significant quantities of munitions and artillery, while receiving military technology and economic support in return. This cooperation has intensified Russia’s missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, contributing to the ongoing conflict. 
In response to these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned North Korea’s involvement, describing it as a significant escalation in the war. He has called for increased international pressure on both North Korea and Russia to halt their military collaboration. 
The strengthened ties between North Korea and Russia signify a strategic alignment that challenges the existing international order and raises questions about the future dynamics of global security.