North Korea Pledges Unwavering Support to Russia in Ukraine War During Lavrov Visit

By ONV News Desk | July 13, 2025

In a powerful show of alliance, North Korea leader Kim Jong Un offered full and unconditional support to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, during a high-level meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the coastal city of Wonsan on July 12.

According to Pyongyang’s state-run media, the two leaders held extensive talks aimed at deepening strategic cooperation between the two nations. Kim praised Russia’s efforts, stating that North Korea is “ready to unconditionally support all the measures taken by the Russian leadership” to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.

Lavrov’s visit marks a significant milestone in the rapidly strengthening Russia–North Korea alliance, as both nations face mounting pressure and sanctions from Western powers.

Military Cooperation and Shared Strategic Goals

North Korea has confirmed that it has sent thousands of troops to assist Russian forces in the Kursk region, with artillery shells and missiles also reportedly supplied to bolster Moscow’s military campaign. Russia, in turn, expressed gratitude for the North’s “heroic” contributions and reaffirmed its support for Pyongyang’s national security objectives.

“The talks were conducted in a warm, comradely atmosphere,” the Russian Foreign Ministry stated, highlighting the camaraderie between the two governments.

Both sides also placed blame on Western powers for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and across Northeast Asia, a position reinforced during Lavrov’s separate meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.

Putin-Kim Ties: A Strengthening Axis

The discussions also focused on the implementation of key agreements made during the historic DPRK-Russia summit in June 2024, where President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a landmark mutual defense pact. This includes provisions for military cooperation and shared defense commitments against external threats.

“Russia hopes for continued direct contacts in the near future,” Lavrov conveyed, according to TASS, signaling that a follow-up summit between Putin and Kim may be on the horizon.

Casualties and Commitment

Despite the heavy human toll—with 600 North Korean troops reportedly killed and thousands more wounded—Pyongyang remains steadfast in its commitment. South Korean intelligence services confirmed these casualties, which Pyongyang publicly acknowledged in April 2025.

KCNA, North Korea’s official news agency, described the Russia-North Korea partnership as an “invincible alliance,” asserting that both nations are united in resisting “hegemonic interference by external forces” in Asia-Pacific geopolitics.

Economic and Tourism Cooperation

Beyond military and political support, economic cooperation is also expanding. Lavrov praised the new Wonsan coastal resort, calling it a “promising tourist destination” for Russians. In support of bilateral ties, direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are now operating twice a week, boosting people-to-people exchanges amid rising diplomatic engagement.

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