Kim Jong Un Declares Unbreakable Military Alliance with Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Beijing during September, strengthening their diplomatic ties.

Seoul:

According to state media KCNA's Friday report, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that military brotherhood between his nation and Russia would "advance non-stop."

KCNA reported that Kim delivered these remarks during his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for a memorial honoring North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian forces in Russia's Kursk region amid Moscow's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

"The years of militant fraternity, in which a guarantee has been provided for the long-term development of the bilateral friendship at the cost of precious blood, will advance non-stop," Kim stated according to KCNA. He added that challenges posed by "domination and tyranny" would not impede the two countries' relationship.

This ceremony represents the latest public recognition of North Korean troops who participated in Russia's defense against Ukrainian forces' incursion.

Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin have formalized their alliance through a mutual defense pact. North Korea has provided Russia with soldiers, artillery ammunition, and missiles to support Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Kyiv and Seoul estimate that North Korea has deployed over 10,000 troops to the conflict in exchange for economic and military technology assistance from Russia. South Korea's intelligence agency reported in September that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers had lost their lives in the fighting.

On Thursday, Putin remained defiant following U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, intended to pressure the Kremlin leader to end the war.

Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea, North Korea's bitter rival, next week.