Kim Jong-un Seeks Closer Ties with Russia Amid Ukraine War

North Korea and Russia Strengthen Ties

“North Korea will continue to expand cooperation with Russia in accordance with the strategic...”

Kim Jong Un, Sergei Shoigu meet to strengthen North Korea-Russia ties, pledging enhanced cooperation amid Ukraine invasion allegations.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on September 14, focusing on bolstering strategic ties between the two nations.

The two officials held in-depth discussions on regional and global issues, yielding a productive agreement. They pledged to enhance cooperation to safeguard their mutual security interests.

Kim said, “North Korea will continue to expand cooperation with Russia in accordance with the strategic partnership between the two countries.”

The US, Ukraine, and independent analysts accuse North Korea's Kim Jong Un of supporting Russia's Ukraine invasion by supplying rockets and missiles in exchange for Moscow's economic and military aid.

Russia and North Korea deny these allegations, but have pledged to boost military cooperation and forged a comprehensive strategic partnership during their June summit.

Sergei Shoigu, Russia's former defense minister and current Secretary of the Security Council, initiated deeper ties with his July 2023 visit to Pyongyang.

Amid allegations from the US, Ukraine, and analysts that North Korea supplies missiles to Russia for its Ukraine invasion, Moscow and Pyongyang deny involvement. However, they have committed to enhancing military cooperation and established a broad strategic partnership during their June summit. Sergei Shoigu's July 2023 visit to Pyongyang as Russia's then-defense minister marked the beginning of this deeper alliance.

Sergei Shoigu made history as the first high-ranking Russian defense official to visit North Korea since the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991.

During his landmark visit, Shoigu stood alongside Kim Jong Un at a military parade showcasing North Korea's nuclear-capable missiles and attack drones.