North Korea has reiterated its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine following high-level talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers in Moscow, signalling the continued strengthening of ties between the longtime allies and fuelling speculation that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could visit Russia in the coming months.
Relations between Pyongyang and Moscow have expanded significantly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Faced with increasing international isolation and Western sanctions, both countries have moved to deepen political, economic and military cooperation.
According to North Korea’s state news agency, KCNA, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, used their meeting in Moscow to reaffirm their commitment to broadening bilateral relations across multiple sectors. The discussions underscored what both governments described as a shared determination to strengthen their strategic partnership over the long term.
Pyongyang used the meeting to restate its backing for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, declaring its support for Moscow’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and address what it called the “root causes” of the conflict. Russia, in turn, expressed support for North Korea’s security and defence priorities, further cementing a partnership that has become increasingly important to both nations.
The growing alliance has already extended beyond diplomatic rhetoric. Analysts say North Korea has supplied Russia with weapons and military personnel, particularly in the contested Kursk region, while Moscow has reportedly provided economic assistance, food supplies, energy resources and technological support in return.
Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged Pyongyang’s support in a video released by the Kremlin, thanking North Korea for its contribution to what Russia continues to describe as its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
The visit by Choe has also revived speculation about a possible trip to Russia by Kim Jong Un. Although the North Korean leader last visited the country in September 2023, President Putin renewed his invitation during his rare visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. Observers believe the latest diplomatic engagement may have included discussions about a future summit between the two leaders.
The timing is notable. Chinese President Xi Jinping paid an uncommon visit to North Korea last month, during which both sides pledged to strengthen their relationship. Despite Pyongyang’s growing ties with Moscow, China remains its most important economic partner, accounting for nearly all of North Korea’s foreign trade.
Analysts argue that a visit by Kim to Russia would serve a broader strategic purpose. By engaging closely with both Moscow and Beijing, North Korea could project an image of increasing diplomatic relevance and reinforce perceptions of an emerging alignment among North Korea, China and Russia.
