North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his unwavering support for Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine during discussions with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Their meeting was held in Wonsan, North Korea. There, both leaders had released a joint statement, reinforcing their ironclad resolve to protect the territorial integrity of their respective nations. Lavrov’s visit is the latest indicator of the deepening military and political relationship between North Korea and Russia.
As Sergei Lavrov, their foreign minister, visits North Korea for three days. His visit is only the latest in a string of trips by senior Moscow officials, all intended to shore up growing Russian-Pyongyang ties. During the talks, Kim Jong-un conveyed that North Korea is nearing a multi-level agreement on new Patriot systems and missile technology, indicating a focus on technological advancement in military capabilities. This development raises alarms in both South Korea and the United States, as it suggests the potential transfer of sensitive technologies that could further enhance North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
During an address to the assembled members, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored the urgency of the current situation in Ukraine. He confirmed that the Russians continue to use terror tactics, carrying out targeted missile attacks on cities and communities across Ukraine. Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un expressed his willingness to “unconditionally support and encourage all the measures taken by the Russian leadership as regards the tackling of the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis.”
The two leaders were certainly friendly from the start. North Korea’s state-run KCNA news agency reported that the mood was “so choked with warm comradely trust.” This feeling of friendship underscores the deepening sense of partnership between the two countries, which has caused alarm among major regional powers. In an apparent reference to the United States, South Korea and Japan, Lavrov cautioned against creating “military alliances” aimed at North Korea. He charged them with exacerbating military concentration elsewhere in the country.
“We warn against exploiting these ties to build alliances directed against anyone, including North Korea and, of course, Russia,” Lavrov stated during his discussions with reporters in Wonsan. His statements echo an increasingly belligerent Russia’s determination to further shore up Pyongyang in the face of external pressures from North Korea’s enemies.
The context of this meeting is made even more complicated by the recent developments in Ukraine. Zelenskyy has urged Western allies to take decisive actions beyond mere signals to halt Russia’s advances since the conflict erupted in February 2022. U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg is expected to visit Ukraine in the coming days. Max will participate in discussions about their peace efforts, which so far have been unsuccessful in achieving tangible results during this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, North Korea celebrated the opening of a massive resort in Wonsan, showcasing its aspirations for economic development alongside military advancements. The juxtaposition between these domestic projects and international tensions highlights the dual trajectory of Kim Jong-un’s leadership.
Lavrov concluded his visit on a strong note. He emphasized Russia’s recognition of North Korea’s goals and an understanding of the reasons behind its pursuit of a nuclear arsenal. This relationship is poised to evolve further as both nations navigate their respective geopolitical landscapes and face scrutiny from global powers.