Source: Associated Press citing the Korean Central News Agency
Details: A Russian military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrey Belousov arrived in North Korea on November 29 amid increasing cooperation between the two nations.
Direct quote: "According to the state news agency of the DPRK, during the meeting, Kim and Belousov reached a 'satisfactory consensus' on strengthening strategic partnership and protecting the sovereignty, security interests, and international justice of each country in light of the rapidly changing international security landscape."
Details: Kim stated that North Korea "will unwaveringly support the Russian Federation's policy of protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of imperialist ambitions for hegemony."
North Korea endorsed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, describing it as a defensive response to what both Moscow and Pyongyang call the "reckless" eastward expansion of NATO and U.S.-led actions aimed at undermining Russia's position as a powerful state.
Background:
- On September 11, The New York Times reported that Russia received new ballistic missiles Hwasong-11 from North Korea and used them to strike Kyiv this summer. The Hwasong-11 has a range of approximately 700 km and can be equipped with nuclear or conventional warheads.
- In November, it became known that North Korea is significantly expanding a key plant for ballistic missile production, which Russia employs in its war against Ukraine.
- According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there are over 11,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region, and they have already participated in battles against the Ukrainian Defense Forces.