Kim Jong-un Affirms Support for Russia's Military Actions During Meeting with Defence Minister

Seoul, Nov 30 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has engaged with Russia's visiting Defence Minister and expressed his backing for Russia's military initiatives against Ukraine, as reported by Pyongyang's state media on Saturday.

Kim had a "friendly and trustworthy" discussion with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov in Pyongyang on Friday, according to a report from the Yonhap news agency citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Belousov's arrival in North Korea occurred the day before, coinciding with North Korea's deployment of thousands of its troops to Russia in support of Moscow's operations in Ukraine.

During their discussion, the North Korean leader criticized the United States and the West for enabling Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles for attacks on Russia, labeling this action a "direct" military intervention, as stated by the KCNA.

Kim confirmed that "the DPRK government, army and people will unwaveringly support the policy of the Russian Federation to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity from imperialist hegemonic maneuvers", according to the KCNA, which uses the acronym for North Korea's official name.

North Korea and Russia have been enhancing their military partnership under a significant Defence treaty signed in June, which stipulates that military support will be provided "without delay" if either side is attacked.