North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reiterated his country’s steadfast support for Russia amidst escalating tensions between Moscow and the West over the conflict in Ukraine. Meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov on November 29 in Pyongyang, Kim criticized what he described as the West’s “reckless military adventurism” and pledged unwavering solidarity with Russia in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim accused the United States and its allies of pushing Kyiv into long-range strikes deep into Russian territory, an act he condemned as “direct military intervention in the conflict.” This rhetoric reflects a growing alignment between Pyongyang and Moscow, a relationship solidified earlier this year through the signing of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Relations between Russia and North Korea, rooted in their shared Soviet-era history, have intensified against the backdrop of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed in June marked a significant shift, committing each country to provide military and other assistance in the event of an attack.

Kim Jong-un’s meeting with Belousov showcased the practical implications of this alliance. Kim expressed strong support for Russia’s actions, including its recent use of Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic missiles against Ukrainian targets, which he lauded as an “effective measure.” Kim framed Russia’s retaliation as a legitimate act of self-defense, asserting that Moscow has the right to “take resolute action to make hostile forces........

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