In one of the most unlikely events taking place in the world, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin and pledged “full support and solidarity” from his country towards the Russians in their war against Ukraine. This message was reported by the Russian state media, and it was sent on the occasion of Russia Day, which was yesterday. On the National Day of Russia, North Korea’s Supreme Leader sent this message because Russia is one of a handful of nations that has friendly relations with Pyongyang.
North Korea’s Kim did not directly mention the invasion of Ukraine or Russia’s fight, but he did say that President Putin took the “correct decision and guidance… to foil the hostile forces’ escalating threats” clearly suggesting that Kim was talking about the Russian decision to invade Ukraine. He also said in this message that the people of North Korea extend “full support and solidarity to the Russian people in their all-out struggle for implementing the sacred cause to preserve the sovereign rights, development and interests of their country against the imperialists’ high-handed and arbitrary practices.” North Korea has also condemned the Western Military Aid to Kyiv and have mentioned that this is a “proxy war” by the US to destroy Russia.
On the other hand, the US claims that Russia’s Wagner Group was supplied weapons by North Korea which is an allegation denied by the North Koreans. US has also said that Russia is looking for supply of weapons from North Korea in return for food supply due to shortage of food in North Korea but this has also been denied as false by Pyongyang. It is also worth noting that since Russia is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, it has been vetoing the pressure from Western Countries on sanctions against North Korea due to their missile tests and nuclear programs. At the moment, there is no US statement on the message sent by North Korea to Russia but it will be interesting to see how the US reacts to this and what statement do they give.
