Kim backs Russia in Lavrov Ukraine showdown
Kim Jong Un Meets Lavrov in Wonsan, Support for Ukraine Increases
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un welcomed Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the coastal city of Wonsan, according to the Russian foreign ministry.
High‑Level Visit Highlights Strengthening Ties
- Lavrov’s trip follows a wave of Moscow officials visiting Pyongyang to deepen military and political cooperation.
- North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to the Kursk region, aiding the Russian army in the fight against Ukrainian forces.
- Russia stated that the talks took place in a “warm, comradely atmosphere” and praised Pyongyang’s role in the Kursk campaign.
West Blamed for Rising Tension on Peninsula
Both sides agreed that Western actions are behind the growing tension on the Korean peninsula. The Russian foreign ministry posted a video on Telegram showing the two men shaking hands and hugging in Wonsan.
Kim Confirms Unity with Russia
- Kim Jong Un declared that Pyongyang is ready to “unconditionally support all measures taken by the Russian leadership” to address the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis.
- He expressed confidence that the Russian army and people will achieve victory in defending the dignity and basic interests of their nation.
- Kim lauded President Vladimir Putin’s “outstanding leadership.”
Future Collaboration and Aviation Links
Russia announced that twice‑a‑week flights will begin between Moscow and Pyongyang. Lavrov praised Wonsan as a tourist attraction and expected it to attract both local citizens and Russians. The meeting also emphasized the determination to jointly counter “hegemonic aspirations” of extra‑regional players escalating tensions in Northeast Asia.
Additional Developments
Lavrov left Pyongyang for Beijing on Sunday to attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers’ Council. The meeting in Wonsan also discussed the “invincible alliance” between the two heavily sanctioned nations, as both sides signaled a mutual defense clause during President Putin’s visit to Pyongyang last year.
