Kim Jong Un surprised the world by openly speaking on the Russian-Ukrainian War. Recently, the frost between the West and Russia seemed to melt until recent squabbles erupted between President Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As world leaders jockey for position in the hopes of peace, North Korea, a land isolated from the West’s “good list,” praised the progress in the Russian-Ukrainian War in late April.
Why has Kim Jong Un spoken, and what is his goal? Warfare politics rarely leave clean hands, and ghosts from North Korea’s communist regime certainly haunt the government’s activities. This chapter of curious events lends itself to a new outlook as the East rises in support of Russian victory in Ukraine.
Korean Expenses in the War
According to international news, “Our participation in the conflict was just, and it falls within the sovereign rights of our Republic,” Kim said on May 9th. The autocrat claimed pride in North Korean troops participating in Russian endeavors. “I consider all the brave soldiers who participated in the Kursk operation to be heroes and the highest representatives of the nation’s honour,” Kim Jong Un stated.
According to official documents, 10,000 soldiers are currently active along the Russian frontline. Pyongyang has also sent ballistic missiles, artillery shells, and other supplies to Russia for express use in Ukraine as Putin continues to claim the desired territories along Ukraine’s eastern border. Putin visited Pyongyang in June 2024, solidifying ties with North Korea and signing a mutual defence pledge.
As attacks persist from Ukrainian forces, mercenary troops from various nations gain headlines. Russia has also admitted to the presence and contribution of North Korean troops. Commentators now speculate upon Russia’s Soviet past as it partners with the Communist government of Kim Jong Un.
According to news sources, 600 North Korean soldiers have died in the Russian-Ukrainian War. Despite the air of optimism and goodwill between “brother” nations, will Kim Jong Un’s land and people ultimately benefit from their involvement in the Russian-Ukrainian War?
Marching in the Victory Parade
On May 9th, Russia celebrated its role in defeating Nazi Germany during WWII with festivities in Red Square, in Moscow. Weapons gleamed alongside colorful uniforms and patriotic fanfares designed to emphasize Russia’s struggle and triumph over Fascism.”The Soviet Union took upon itself the most ferocious, merciless blows of the enemy,” Putin stated.
Xi Jinping of China stood at Putin’s side, participating in the day’s events. Although he did not personally attend the victory parade, Kim sent generals to mark the occasion. Kim Jong Un visited the Russian embassy in Pyongyang and congratulated Russia on the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe.
In a release from the state-run KCNA, Kim said that North Korea would “consolidate and develop the long tradition of the DPRK-Russia relations, the noble ideological foundation and the invincible alliance.” The bond between Kim Jong Un and Putin appears to be publicly and personally growing.
Kim Promises More in Russian-Ukrainian War
Despite the toll of 600 lives, North Korea plans to continue supporting Putin as the conflict drags on. Kim Jong Un even promised to deploy more troops if Russia is directly attacked, according to state media sources. The dictator described Pyongyang’s involvement as “justifiable,” and continued to blast the West, and the United States in particular, for its “tacky defective munitions.”
Both Kim and Putin stand to gain much if a final victory and peace are secured in the Russian-Ukrainian War. Both countries remain largely isolated and under sanctions from the industrialized and capitalistic West. Power and national sovereignty never come cheap, but Kim Jong Un seems focused on the long game and securing more for North Korea.
