N. Korean leader Kim Jong Un says participation in Russia-Ukraine war justified: KCNA

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends an event to celebrate Russia's Victory Day, at the Russian embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea, May 9, 2025. KCNA via REUTERS

Mr Kim Jong Un said North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war was an exercise of sovereign rights in defence of a “brother nation".

PHOTO: REUTERS

Follow topic:

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war was justified, calling it an exercise of sovereign rights in defence of a “brother nation”, state media outlet KCNA reported on May 10.

“Our participation in the conflict was just, and it falls within the sovereign rights of our Republic,” Mr Kim said, according to KCNA. “I consider all the brave soldiers who participated in the Kursk operation to be heroes and the highest representatives of the nation’s honour,” he added.

Mr Kim also said Pyongyang would not hesitate to authorise the use of military force if the US persists in what he called military provocations against Russia.

North Korea did not officially confirm until late April that it had sent more than 10,000 troops and weapons to Russia as the countries’ military ties grew dramatically under a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed by Mr Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2024. REUTERS

See more on