Vladimir Putin thanks Kim Jong Un for North Korean role in Ukraine
Putin praised North Korean fighters’ contributions in Ukraine during a joint appearance at Beijing’s World War II parade, underscoring growing Moscow–Pyongyang ties.
President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his troops’ "courage and heroism" in Ukraine. The remarks came during their first joint appearance at an international gathering as they watched China’s parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Asia.
Putin praised Pyongyang’s support, noting it assisted in operations around Russia’s Kursk region. Kim said bilateral ties were "advancing across all areas" and vowed further assistance "as a fraternal duty."
Seoul officials estimate around 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, suffering heavy casualties. Western sources suggested nearly 1,000 deaths in three months, while South Korean lawmakers later estimated about 600 fatalities out of 4,700 casualties.
The North Koreans, lacking combat experience, reportedly trained in Russia before serving in support roles. They have also helped rebuild damage in the Kursk area, according to Moscow’s security chief.
The meeting underscored deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. Last year they signed a pact to assist each other in case of aggression. Kim reaffirmed his "unconditional support" for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky countered Putin’s narrative, saying Moscow alone bore responsibility for the war and vowing to respond to continued strikes. Former US President Donald Trump also criticized the three leaders, accusing them of a conspiracy against the United States.
The three-way show of solidarity in Beijing highlights a growing strategic alignment between Russia, China and North Korea amid the Ukraine conflict.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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