North Korean leader Kim assured that his country will continue to support Russia in its policy of safeguarding state sovereignty during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Belousov.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that leader Kim Jong-un met with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, who was visiting Pyongyang.
Belousov awarded medals to North Korean soldiers who demonstrated heroism during Russia’s operation to liberate the Kursk region from occupying forces.
According to KCNA, “Kim Jong-un stated that the North Korean government will continue to fully support Russia’s policy of defending its state sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and interests. He also expressed confidence that the Russian army and people will inevitably achieve victory in this just and sacred struggle.”
It was also reported that the North Korean leader conveyed his gratitude to the Russian leadership for their sincere efforts to strengthen allied relations between the two countries.
In April 2025, North Korea officially confirmed that it had sent troops to Russia under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement to help ensure its territorial integrity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his thanks to the North Korean military for its contribution to repelling Ukrainian forces that had infiltrated the Kursk region.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the participation of North Korean troops in clearing the Kursk region is a direct confirmation that relations between Russia and North Korea can be described as an “invincible brotherhood.”