Kim Jong Un hails strengthened Russia partnership amid military ties

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has hailed the deepening partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow during a visit by Russian Resource Minister Alexander Kozlov, signaling strengthened ties amid mounting evidence of North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war.

“Bilateral solidarity and cooperation have been growing closer and more intense in different fields since the conclusion of a new treaty between the two countries,” Kim told Kozlov, according to North Korean state media. He described the alliance as reaching a “new strategic level” and called for expanded collaboration in trade, science, and technology to “mutually and powerfully propel the co-prosperity and development” of both nations.

The remarks coincided with the 11th DPRK-Russia Inter-governmental Committee meeting, where a Russian trade delegation explored avenues for economic and technological collaboration under the recently ratified Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Signed during Vladimir Putin’s June visit to Pyongyang, the treaty commits both nations to mutual military assistance using “all means” if either is attacked.

These developments come as U.S. officials confirm North Korea’s growing military role in Russia’s Ukraine campaign. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that over 10,000 North Korean troops are training and fighting alongside Russian forces, with Ukrainian officials warning the number could soon exceed 100,000.

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun has suggested North Korea is likely seeking advanced military technologies, including nuclear and missile systems, in exchange for its troop deployments. “There is a high chance they are leveraging their participation for key technology transfers,” Kim said during a joint press conference with Austin in late October.

As Pyongyang and Moscow deepen their ties, the strategic partnership is raising alarm in Western capitals, where concerns grow over its implications for regional and global security.