North Korea Reaffirms Support for Russia in Ukraine War
North Korea has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to support Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, as stated by Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui during a recent visit to Moscow. Choe declared that North Korea would stand by Russia until 'Victory Day,' emphasizing their belief in a decisive Russian victory. This statement came during her discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who praised the strong ties between the two nations, particularly in military and intelligence cooperation.
Choe's remarks highlight a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, with North Korea reportedly dispatching thousands of soldiers to Russia to bolster its military efforts in Ukraine. U.S. officials estimate that around 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to support Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine. This development has raised concerns among Western allies, particularly Ukraine, which has accused its allies of inaction in the face of this mobilization.
Zelensky Critiques Western Allies Over North Korean Troop Deployment
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced strong criticism of Western allies, accusing them of passivity regarding the mobilization of North Korean soldiers in Russia. In his daily address, Zelensky expressed frustration over the lack of long-range weaponry provided to Ukraine, stating that the country could strike preemptively against the North Korean troops if they had the capability. He emphasized that the delay in military assistance has allowed Russia to strengthen its position with North Korean support.
The alliance between Russia and North Korea, both of whom view the United States as a common adversary, has deepened since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Following a mutual defense agreement signed during President Putin's visit to Pyongyang, both nations have increased their military cooperation, with North Korea suspected of supplying munitions and missiles to Russia. As tensions escalate, the potential deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine raises significant concerns about the conflict's trajectory and the possibility of broader international implications.
