Seoul, August 18: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed appreciation for North Korea’s military support in the Ukraine war, reinforcing the commitment to strengthen ties between the two nations. He emphasized that both countries are now fighting on the same front.
According to Yonhap, Lavrov made these remarks in a letter to his North Korean counterpart, Choe Son-hui, on the occasion of North Korea’s Liberation Day, marking its 81st anniversary.
He recalled that Russia and North Korea fought together to defeat “Japanese militarism” in 1945, contributing to the swift conclusion of World War II.
Lavrov praised North Korea’s military deployment in the Kursk region, stating it is a clear testament to the enduring friendship initiated by previous brave generations. He asserted, “Russia and North Korea are now fighting on the same front.”
In his letter, he expressed confidence in advancing multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, linking it to the creation of a new global order based on a multipolar world and national sovereignty.
The relationship between Russia and North Korea has rapidly strengthened since the onset of the Ukraine war. Pyongyang has provided arms and ammunition to Russia and has also sent troops. Russia officially confirmed the deployment of North Korean soldiers for the first time in April 2025, leading to a continuous expansion of military and strategic cooperation.
According to Yonhap, Lavrov’s recent statement is viewed as public support for this growing military collaboration. He highlighted North Korea’s backing of Russia as a significant aspect of the developing strategic relationship between the two nations. Moscow and Pyongyang signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June 2024, which has redirected their security relations.
On the occasion of Liberation Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also exchanged messages reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Putin emphasized advancing cooperation across all sectors.
For North Korea, the growing closeness with Russia provides a crucial source of economic, military, and diplomatic support. Meanwhile, for Russia, military assistance from Pyongyang remains vital amid the Ukraine conflict. This increasing collaboration has raised concerns among the United States, South Korea, and their allies.
Lavrov’s statement follows comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed a desire to re-engage in talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, claiming that Kim had responded to his proposal for dialogue.
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