In a significant display of solidarity, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. This occasion served as a platform for Kim to reaffirm North Korea’s strong alliance with Moscow and pledge to defend Russia against any Western-backed attacks, including those from what he termed “the Kiev neo-Nazis.” Kim’s gesture was marked by laying flowers at the Eternal Flame monument, honoring the sacrifices of Soviet soldiers, which he described as a tribute to their “heroic lives and feats.”
Kim was accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, and his daughter, underscoring the importance of the event. In his address, Kim extended warm greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to him as a “seasoned leader of a powerful state” and his “closest friend and comrade.” He noted the significant role the Soviet Union played in defeating Nazi Germany but emphasized that this legacy is now facing renewed threats.
“The revival of Nazism… is a serious threat that can never be tolerated,” Kim stressed, condemning Ukraine’s recent attempts to invade Russian territory in strong terms. He labeled such actions as those that could only be taken by “the Kiev neo-Nazis,” reflecting North Korea’s stance on the conflict. Furthermore, Kim highlighted that North Korean troops had assisted Russia in repelling a large-scale Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk Region, suggesting that under the 2024 comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia, Pyongyang could intervene again if necessary.
In a clear warning to the West, Kim stated, “If the henchmen of the United States and the West, with their tacky, defective munitions, attempt another assault on the Russian Federation… I… will unhesitatingly issue an order on using the armed forces of the DPRK in repelling the enemy’s invasion.” This declaration not only solidifies North Korea’s support for Russia but also signifies a deepening military alliance between the two nations. The presence of North Korean service members, including top commanders, at the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, where they were thanked by Putin for their role in defending the Kursk Region, further underscores this alliance.
Kim’s visit and statements come at a critical time in international relations, highlighting the complexities and alliances being forged in response to global conflicts. The reaffirmation of North Korea’s alliance with Russia serves as a significant geopolitical statement, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As international tensions continue to evolve, the pledge of military support from North Korea to Russia against Western-backed attacks adds a new layer of complexity to the global political landscape.
