Kim Jong Un backs all Russian actions in Ukraine, says state media

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his “unconditional support” for all actions taken by Russia to resolve the Ukraine war, during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to North Korean state media.

The meeting took place Saturday in the coastal city of Wonsan, where Kim and Lavrov pledged to deepen their countries’ strategic partnership. The North’s KCNA news agency reported that both sides agreed to cooperate closely in safeguarding each other’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

Russia, in turn, voiced strong opposition to any attempt to undermine North Korea’s security. Lavrov described relations as an “invincible fighting brotherhood” and said Moscow aims to further strengthen this alliance. The visit was framed as a continuation of the “strategic dialogue” initiated by President Vladimir Putin’s trip to Pyongyang last year.

Lavrov delivered a message from Putin expressing hope for more direct contact with Kim in the near future, according to Russian state media.

Lavrov also thanked Kim for the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. Thousands of North Korean soldiers reportedly supported Russian forces during the months-long campaign to drive out Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region. Pyongyang has also provided munitions and logistical assistance. According to South Korea’s intelligence service, North Korea may send additional troops this summer.

In a sign of expanding cooperation, North Korea has agreed to send 6,000 military engineers and construction workers to aid reconstruction efforts in war-damaged areas of Russia, particularly Kursk.

The talks came weeks after Moscow and Pyongyang signed a new mutual defence pact, formalising their growing military and political alignment as both face intensifying pressure from Western nations.

Lavrov also held separate talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said more senior-level delegations would visit North Korea later this year, signalling an intensification of joint planning and coordination.

Lavrov had arrived in Wonsan from Kuala Lumpur, following the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting. His next destination is China, where he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit starting Monday.

The Wonsan meeting also spotlighted North Korea’s efforts to promote the city’s new coastal resort. Russian media suggested it could attract Russian tourists, supported by revived direct train links from Moscow to Pyongyang and potential plans for a bridge over the Tumen River, linking North Korea with China and Russia.

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