Putin Lists North Korea as Key Partner for Ukraine Conflict Resolution

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Putin names North Korea as a partner in resolving the Ukraine conflict.
- He emphasizes collaboration with countries like China, India, and BRICS members.
- Military ties between Russia and North Korea are strengthening.
- Plans for Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia are in progress.
- Kim received a medal commemorating Victory Day from Russia.
Seoul, March 28 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated on Friday that North Korea is among the nations he is open to collaborating with to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as per a report from Russia.
While addressing the situation during his visit to Murmansk, Putin mentioned that not only the United States, but also China, India, Brazil, South Africa, all BRICS nations, along with North Korea, could serve as partners in this endeavor.
Additionally, President Putin expressed his support for any initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict, according to the Yonhap news agency, which cited the Russian news outlet Tass.
The BRICS group comprises ten nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Egypt.
This statement comes amidst a growing military alliance between Russia and North Korea regarding the Ukraine conflict, as North Korea has deployed thousands of soldiers to the Russian front.
Reportedly, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko stated the previous day that plans are being made for Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, to visit Russia later this year.
On Thursday, Kim Jong-un received a medal commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day from the Russian government.
As per social media posts from the embassy, the medal, which celebrates the Soviet Union's victory in World War II over Nazi Germany, was awarded to Kim following an order from President Putin.
The award ceremony took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang, where Russian Ambassador Alexandr Matsegora presented the medal and certificate to Kang Yun-sok, Vice Chairman of North Korea's Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly.
The certificate indicated that Kim was honored for his contributions to preserving the memory of Soviet soldiers who perished and are interred in North Korea.
This medal was presented more than a month prior to Victory Day, which is celebrated on May 9. Russia had previously bestowed similar honors upon Kim in May 2015 and May 2020, in recognition of the 70th and 75th anniversaries respectively.