North Korean leader Kim Jong Un promised strong support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, calling it a “brotherly duty,” per North Korea’s official news. Kim made this promise during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. Both leaders were there for China’s Victory Day parade, which marks Japan’s surrender in World War II.
This was the first time since the Cold War that the leaders of North Korea, Russia, and China were seen together at such a gathering. Kim also met with more than 24 other world leaders, which is unusual for him.
Kim and Putin’s meeting focused on making their partnership stronger. Kim praised the North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Putin said their countries share “trust, friendship, and alliance.” Photos showed Kim, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping walking and smiling together.
🇷🇺🇰🇵🇨🇳 ‘Our ties have become a veritable alliance… Your special units fought bravely in the liberation of Russia’s Kursk region — Putin to Kim Jong Un in Beijing
‘We will never forget their sacrifice’ https://t.co/QzJxUAAxvn pic.twitter.com/47bEvmAOQb
— RT (@RT_com) September 3, 2025South Korea’s spy agency says about 2,000 North Korean soldiers have died fighting for Russia, with 1,000 more still in Ukraine and plans to send 6,000 more. North Korea has also provided Russia with weapons and missiles. Last year, Kim and Putin signed a treaty promising to help each other if attacked.
🇰🇵🇷🇺🇨🇳 ‘If there is any way we can help and support Russia, we will always do it — it is our brotherly duty’ — Kim Jong Un to Putin in Beijing https://t.co/5eykM6oEWV pic.twitter.com/Jdeb4ZwZku
— RT (@RT_com) September 3, 2025China’s parade showed the country’s global power and the strong partnership between China, Russia, and North Korea. Kim and Putin promised to keep working together in the future.
Kim Jong Un Arrives in Russia: A Summit Fraught with Global Implications
Kim’s support for Russia worries other countries about North Korea’s bigger role in global conflicts and its closer ties with Moscow and Beijing. This summit shows changing international alliances, which may affect peace and stability in the area.
