Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to the North Korean troops participating in the Ukraine war, suggesting that the military alliance between the two countries has advanced to an unprecedented level. North Korean Chairperson Kim Jong-un noted that assisting Russia is 'a brotherly duty' and left the possibility of additional support open. The two leaders met in the heart of Beijing during a large-scale military parade in China, showcasing a strong solidarity towards the Western world with the confirmation of North Korea's troop deployment.
According to the Russian news agency TASS, President Putin and Chairperson Kim held a bilateral meeting on the 3rd at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China. The two leaders exhibited intimacy by moving in the same vehicle from the official banquet hall after attending the 80th anniversary celebration of China's victory in World War II.
In his opening remarks at the talks, President Putin detailed the role of the North Korean military as if he had intended to. He stated, 'Under your (Chairperson Kim's) leadership, North Korean special forces participated in the liberation of the Kursk region,' adding, 'North Korean soldiers fought bravely and heroically.' Kursk is a western region of Russia bordering Ukraine, where recent offensives by the Ukrainian military have concentrated. President Putin further remarked, 'We will never forget the sacrifices you and your soldiers' families have endured,' and expressed gratitude for participating in the joint struggle on behalf of the Russian people.
The North-Russia relationship has escalated to an effective 'blood alliance' beyond the 'comprehensive strategic partnership' established in Pyongyang last June. According to our Ministry of National Defense, North Korea is estimated to have sent approximately 15,000 troops and large military equipment such as ballistic missiles and shells to Russia since last year. Experts evaluated that as President Putin acknowledged this in public, North-Russia military cooperation has deepened beyond Western expectations. The close ties between the two countries, linked through the Ukraine war, could emerge as a key variable shaking the entire international security landscape beyond the Korean Peninsula.
Chairperson Kim expressed satisfaction with President Putin's remarks, responding that the relationship between the two countries is developing in all aspects. He said, 'If there is something I can do for Russia and the Russian people, if there is more to be done, I will consider it a brotherly duty and a responsibility we must bear,' adding, 'I am ready to help in any way possible.' This is interpreted as a de facto promise of continued military support to Russia.
This meeting took place on the stage prepared by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This is the first time Chairperson Kim has attended a multilateral international event during his 14-year rule. Foreign media outlets, including The Washington Post (WP), are focusing on the possibility that Chairperson Kim might have a separate bilateral meeting with President Putin or a private three-way meeting that includes President Xi.