North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his “unconditional support” for all actions taken by the Russian leadership to resolve the Ukraine conflict, according to North Korea’s state news agency KCNA.

Kim expressed this during a meeting with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Wonsan on Saturday. Lavrov, in turn, conveyed greetings from President Vladimir Putin and emphasised Russia’s desire to further deepen strategic cooperation with North Korea.

The visit highlights the growing relations between the two countries. North Korea has reportedly supplied troops and ammunition to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine in exchange for military and economic support.

This growing military cooperation has alarmed the United States, South Korea, and Japan, with concerns mounting over the potential transfer of sensitive technology to Pyongyang.

During the visit, Lavrov also warned the US, South Korea and Japan against forming a trilateral security alliance aimed at countering North Korea, highlighting Russia’s position amid deepening global tensions.

The Lavrov-Kim meeting also highlights the evolving Russia–North Korea relationship, as both nations face increasing isolation from the West and seek to bolster mutual support.

The US, South Korea, and Japan have stepped up their trilateral military exercises in response to North Korea’s expanding nuclear weapons program.

On Friday, the three allies conducted a joint air drill involving US nuclear-capable bombers near the Korean Peninsula, as senior military leaders gathered in Seoul and called on North Korea to halt activities that pose a threat to regional stability.

North Korea, however, has consistently criticised such drills as rehearsals for invasion, maintaining that its nuclear weapons program is a necessary deterrent against US military threats.

– Ends