North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his country's steadfast support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov on Friday, Kim vowed to back Moscow's efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against what he called "imperialists' moves for hegemony. North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops to Russia and some of them apparently deployed in the frontline. North Korea also reportedly rearming the Russians with artillery, missiles, and other armaments.
Russia and North Korea both deny these allegations but experts warn that Moscow may have enough reasons to retaliate with superior weapons technology to enhance Pyongyang's powerful nuclear missiles and space-based surveillance system. According to South Korea's national security adviser, Shin Wonsik, Russia has probably supplied air defense missile systems and other military technologies to North Korea. They include satellite development programs, which would further the two countries' military cooperation at a level that might worry the West.
North Korea Attacks U.S. and NATO Actions
Kim blasted the United States for allowing Ukraine to launch strikes within Russia using long-range missiles the United States supplied to the country. He praised recent attacks launched by Russia on Ukraine as a "good step" towards demonstration of resolve. North Korea and Russia have criticized NATO and the United States of encroaching on the sovereignty of Russia, describing the Ukraine war as a measure of self-defense against NATO.
Increasingly Close Cooperation Against the West
In June, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense treaty requiring immediate military assistance if either country is attacked. In a dinner banquet following Friday's meetings, Belousov underscored the importance of the North Korea-Russia partnership in standing against "imperialists' arbitrary actions.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
Ⓒ Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
