North Korea has declared its unwavering support for Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, signaling a significant shift in the international dynamics surrounding the war. This pledge was made by North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui during her visit to Moscow, amid Western concerns that North Korea may soon enter the conflict on Russia’s side.
“We repeat that we will always stand firmly by our Russian comrades until victory day,” Choe said following discussions with her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. Her remarks reflect North Korea’s strongest show of support for Russia to date and come at a time of growing geopolitical tension. Western intelligence sources have suggested that thousands of North Korean soldiers are training in Russia, sparking fears that they could soon be deployed in Ukraine to aid the Russian military.
Choe’s visit to Moscow was marked by a series of diplomatic gestures underscoring the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia. In an address alongside Lavrov, she affirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to Moscow’s military objectives in Ukraine, a declaration that is likely to strain North Korea’s already tense relations with the West. According to a Russian translation, Choe expressed confidence that under the “wise leadership” of President Vladimir Putin, Russia would achieve “a great victory in their sacred struggle” to uphold its sovereignty and security.
Lavrov reciprocated this sentiment by emphasizing the close relationship between the two countries’ militaries and intelligence agencies. “Very close ties have been established between the militaries and special services of the two countries,” Lavrov stated, alluding to the mutual defense agreement signed by the two countries earlier this year. “This will also make it possible to solve significant security aims for our citizens and yours,” he added, implying that the alliance may have strategic consequences beyond Ukraine.
Choe and Lavrov also took the opportunity to unveil a memorial plaque commemorating North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-Sung, and his 1949 visit to the Soviet Union. This symbolic event underscored the historical links between Russia and North Korea, with both nations sharing a long history of partnership since the Cold War era.
The alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang has become especially pronounced in recent months. Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in the summer, the two countries signed a mutual assistance pact that formalized their partnership. This pact highlights a growing shift in North Korea’s foreign policy orientation, as the reclusive state aligns itself more closely with Russia’s objectives, seemingly at the expense of relations with the West and South Korea.
The West has raised alarm over North Korea’s potential involvement in the Ukraine conflict, with some intelligence sources estimating that approximately 8,000 North Korean soldiers are currently training in Russia. Although neither Choe nor Lavrov addressed these reports directly, the possibility of North Korean soldiers joining Russian forces in Ukraine has heightened anxieties within NATO and among Ukraine’s Western allies. The presence of North Korean troops on the ground would represent a significant escalation in the conflict, potentially challenging the balance of power.
The United States has been particularly vocal in its concerns. U.S. officials, citing recent intelligence reports, have stated that these North Korean soldiers could be deployed in Ukraine to bolster Russian forces in areas of intense fighting, a scenario that could lead to a wider international crisis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to these developments by criticizing what he called the “inaction” of Ukraine’s allies regarding North Korean troop presence in Russia. In a recent interview with South Korean media, Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the lack of concrete measures taken to prevent Pyongyang from intervening in the conflict. This dissatisfaction reflects growing unease in Kyiv about the extent of support it is receiving from Western allies as the conflict drags on.
South Korea, which remains technically at war with the North since the Korean War armistice in 1953, has also expressed concerns about North Korea’s alignment with Russia. In response to the news of possible North Korean involvement in Ukraine, South Korean officials have reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine diplomatically and through humanitarian aid, though Seoul has so far refrained from direct military involvement in the conflict.
Russia’s outreach to North Korea is part of a broader strategy to secure alternative alliances as Western nations increase sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Moscow. Since invading Ukraine, Russia has faced growing isolation from the West, leading it to seek stronger relations with non-Western allies. Alongside North Korea, Russia has made overtures to China, Iran, and other nations that are either indifferent or sympathetic to Moscow’s stance on the Ukraine conflict.
Putin’s outreach to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this year is indicative of Russia’s pivot toward countries that can provide not only diplomatic support but potentially military aid. Analysts suggest that Moscow’s willingness to engage with North Korea may be driven by the pressing need for manpower, munitions, and other logistical support as the war in Ukraine stretches on. North Korea, for its part, may view its alignment with Russia as an opportunity to gain leverage on the international stage and secure the economic and military support it has long sought.
A formal alliance between North Korea and Russia could have far-reaching implications for regional and global stability. North Korea’s military, one of the world’s largest, possesses extensive artillery and ground forces, and while many of its soldiers may lack advanced training, their presence could bolster Russian ranks and provide valuable support in heavily contested areas in Ukraine.
For North Korea, involvement in the Ukraine conflict would provide an opportunity to gain battlefield experience, showcase its military capabilities, and strengthen its ties with a key ally. However, such an involvement would likely exacerbate tensions with the United States and its allies, potentially leading to increased sanctions or other punitive measures against both North Korea and Russia.
The possibility of North Korea deploying troops to Ukraine presents a strategic dilemma for Western countries. While additional sanctions against North Korea are possible, they may have limited impact given the reclusive nation’s historical resilience to economic pressure. Sanctions on Russia have also shown mixed results, as Moscow has adapted its economy to withstand international isolation, often relying on support from nations like China and, increasingly, North Korea.
In response to these developments, some experts have suggested that the U.S. and its allies might consider bolstering support for Ukraine through increased military aid and intelligence sharing, with the aim of countering any additional manpower that North Korea might provide to Russia. However, such measures carry the risk of further escalating the conflict, particularly if North Korean troops become involved in combat operations against Ukrainian forces.
