North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his country’s staunch backing for Russia’s efforts in the Ukraine conflict, meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Wonsan on July 13, 2025, during a three-day strategic visit, state-run KCNA reported. The talks, part of the second strategic dialogue between the two nations’ foreign ministers, underscored a deepening alliance cemented by a 2024 partnership treaty that includes a mutual defense pact.

Kim expressed “unconditional support” for Moscow’s measures to address the “root cause” of the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing that coordinated actions by North Korea and Russia would promote global peace and security amid shifting geopolitics. Lavrov, meeting with his counterpart Choe Son Hui, issued a joint statement vowing to protect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russian media quoted Lavrov describing the bilateral relationship as an “invincible fighting brotherhood,” thanking Kim for North Korea’s deployment of over 10,000 troops and substantial arms to support Russia’s military campaign, which began in February 2022.

South Korea’s Defence Ministry intelligence arm reported to parliament that North Korea has supplied approximately 12 million rounds of artillery ammunition to Russia, up from a prior estimate of 9 million by a UN sanctions monitoring group. Additionally, Kim’s government has committed to sending 6,000 military engineers and builders to aid reconstruction in Russia’s Kursk region, further solidifying military and logistical ties.

The Wonsan meeting highlights the escalating partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow, as North Korea continues to provide critical support to Russia’s war efforts, drawing international scrutiny amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.