North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met on Friday in Pyongyang with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The dictator stated during the talks that Ukraine's use of Western long-range missiles “is the result of direct U.S. intervention and Moscow has the right to self-defense,” North Korea's KCNA news agency reported on Saturday.
According to KCNA quoted by Reuters, Kim said that “the US and the West prompted the authorities in Kiev to attack Russian territory with their long-range weapons” and Russia should take action “to make hostile forces pay for it.” He emphasized that use by Ukraine Western long-range missiles “are the result of direct U.S. intervention.” “Moscow has the right to self-defense,” he said.
“The DPRK government, army and people will steadfastly support the Russian Federation in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity against imperialist hegemonic attempts,” Kim added, according to KCNA.
Kim Jong Un met with Russian Defense Minister Andrei BelousovKCNA
He also announced strengthening ties with Russia “in all areas, including military” in accordance with the strategic partnership agreement signed with Vladimir Putin in June.
Military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang
Reuters notes that Kim did not mention or discuss with Belousov the issue of deploying North Korean soldiers in Russia, whose number is already estimated at over 10,000.
North Korean soldiersKCNA VIA KNS
According to South Korean intelligence, Pyongyang has already provided Russia with over 10,000. ammunition containers and weapons, including self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launchers.
Main photo source: KCNA