In a recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui declared North Korea’s unwavering support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, fueling further concerns for Kyiv. According to an AFP report based on a Russian translation of her remarks, Choe stated, “We reaffirm that we will always stand firmly by our Russian comrades until the day of victory.”
Choe’s comments come as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow claims is necessary to counter NATO’s expansion and to “denazify” Ukraine. She expressed confidence in Russia’s success, stating that “there is no doubt the Russian army and people will achieve a great victory.” Lavrov, in turn, praised the “very close contacts” established between Moscow’s military and security forces and those of Pyongyang. He also expressed Russia’s “gratitude for North Korea’s principled stance.”
The two nations’ alliance has grown stronger in recent months. In June, North Korea and Russia signed a strategic partnership agreement, marking a significant step in their cooperation. North Korea is also suspected of supplying large quantities of artillery shells and hundreds of missiles to Russia, aiding its ongoing military efforts.
South Korean intelligence services recently reported that North Korea has sent an additional 1,500 troops to eastern Russia, bringing the total number of North Korean forces in Russia to around 3,000. U.S. officials claim to have “concrete evidence” that these troops are stationed at Russian military bases, suggesting they could potentially be deployed in Ukraine in the future.
In response to these allegations, North Korea has strongly denied any direct military involvement in the conflict. A North Korean representative at the United Nations called these reports “unfounded rumors.” Russia has also dismissed these claims, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova sarcastically suggesting that journalists “ask Pyongyang directly” about the location of its troops.
The growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia is a cause for concern in Kyiv and among Western allies. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky recently criticized Western nations for their “insufficient” response to the presence of North Korean troops in Russia. The potential involvement of North Korean forces in Ukraine raises questions about the escalating nature of the conflict and the expanding alliances that Russia is forging to counter Western sanctions and isolation.
This alliance is seen as a mutually beneficial arrangement, with Russia seeking military supplies and manpower and North Korea looking to strengthen its international ties. However, the partnership is controversial and could have significant implications for regional stability. Western nations have voiced concern over North Korea’s involvement, fearing it may lead to further destabilization in Ukraine and encourage other authoritarian regimes to support Russia’s war efforts.
As the situation develops, international observers are closely watching North Korea and Russia’s strategic moves. The implications of this growing alliance remain uncertain, but it undoubtedly signals a shift in global power dynamics as Russia turns to unconventional allies to support its campaign in Ukraine.
This article is originally published on lejdd.fr
