North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to “fully support” Russia’s military as a matter of “fraternal duty,” while Russian President Vladimir Putin described bilateral relations as “special,” state news agency KCNA reported on Thursday.
The two leaders met in Beijing on Wednesday during China’s commemorations marking the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. For the first time since the Cold War era, Kim and Putin joined Chinese President Xi Jinping at a military parade, alongside more than two dozen global leaders. Analysts view the rare trilateral appearance as a significant propaganda victory for Pyongyang’s reclusive leader.
State media photographs showed Kim walking and conversing with Putin and Xi, smiling broadly, while North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun dedicated extensive coverage to his visit. His exact whereabouts on Thursday remain unconfirmed.
According to KCNA, Kim and Putin “exchanged candid opinions on important international and regional issues,” with Putin reportedly praising North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine and reaffirming the “special relations of trust, friendship, and alliance” between Moscow and Pyongyang.
South Korea’s intelligence agency estimates that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russia in Ukraine have been killed, with Pyongyang expected to send an additional 6,000 troops. Approximately 1,000 combat personnel are already believed to be stationed in Russia. In addition to manpower, North Korea has supplied Moscow with artillery shells and missiles.
During their talks, Kim and Putin reportedly outlined long-term plans to expand their partnership and expressed their “steadfast will” to elevate bilateral ties. The meeting came a year after both nations signed a mutual defense treaty pledging support for one another in the event of armed conflict.
Observers also noted the stringent security protocols surrounding Kim’s movements. After his meeting with Putin, aides were seen meticulously cleaning the chair and side table he had used — measures analysts say are intended to shield details of his health from even close allies.
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