North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed that his country will “fully support” Russia’s military as part of its “fraternal duty,” during a high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The talks took place on the sidelines of China’s World War Two victory celebrations, which also brought together Chinese President Xi Jinping in a rare trilateral appearance of the three leaders.
The gathering, marked by a massive military parade, was the first time Kim, Putin and Xi appeared together, a symbolic show of unity that analysts say offered Kim significant propaganda value. North Korean state media splashed images of Kim walking alongside Putin and Xi, presenting him as an equal player on the world stage. “Comrade Kim Jong Un and President Putin exchanged candid opinions on important international and regional issues,” KCNA reported, adding that Putin hailed their ties as “special ones of trust, friendship and alliance.”
North Korea has emerged as one of Moscow’s most critical backers in its war against Ukraine, sending artillery, missiles and troops to support Russian forces. South Korea’s intelligence service estimates that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have already been killed, with Pyongyang reportedly preparing to send thousands more, including combat units. Putin praised these contributions, saying North Korean support demonstrated the strength of the bilateral relationship.
The leaders also discussed expanding their long-term strategic partnership, reaffirming what KCNA described as their “steadfast will” to elevate relations. Their talks come a year after signing a mutual defense treaty that obliges each nation to assist the other in case of armed attack. This growing military and political alignment has deepened Western concerns about an emerging anti-Western bloc led by Moscow, Beijing and Pyongyang.
Notably, after Kim left the meeting room, aides were seen disinfecting his chair and table — a glimpse into the elaborate security protocols designed to shield details about his health. While Kim’s exact location after the Beijing events remains unclear, his joint appearance with Putin and Xi underscores North Korea’s expanding role in global geopolitics and its willingness to stand firmly behind Russia in its confrontation with the West.
