Ukraine

North Korea’s Kim declares ‘full support’ for Russian war in Ukraine

Author: Editors Desk, Michelle Ye Hee Lee Source: The Washington Post

June 19, 2024 at 07:13

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a welcome ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Wednesday. (Vladimir Smirnov/Sputnik/Pool/Reuters)

The U.S. and its allies are concerned about the growing military cooperation between the two states.

SEOUL — Vladimir Putin first visited North Korea in 2000, shortly after his election as president, becoming the only Russian or Soviet leader to travel to Pyongyang. He wanted to restore his country’s influence over the Korean Peninsula. For the next 24 years, he saw no need to return — until Wednesday.

The reason: To sustain his war on Ukraine, he needs North Korea’s help.

After an ostentatious welcome ceremony and an afternoon of meetings, the two emerged to announce their shared vision of a united front against the West and the U.S.-led global order. Putin asserted his country’s fight against “decades of imperialist policies” of the United States and its allies. In turn, North Korea promised “full support and solidarity for the Russian government, army and people” in the war in Ukraine, state media agencies reported.