North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged “steadfast and unwavering” support for Russia and affirmed his intention to expand cooperation with it in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin published by state media on Tuesday.
Kim said in his message: “I am fully confident in the victory of the Russian Federation in this ongoing holy war to defend the country’s security interests and international justice. I pledge to you, dear friend, and to the fraternal Russian people, my steadfast and unwavering support.” The North Korean leader added: “My will and that of the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are firmly committed to comprehensively expanding and deepening joint cooperation with the Russian Federation.”
Reports of sending additional Korean troops to Russia
The message comes amid reports that Pyongyang is prepared to send more troops to Russia to support its military operations in Ukraine. North Korea has already sent troops to assist Moscow in exchange for economic benefits and military technologies, according to analysts’ estimates.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on South Korea to provide his country with air-defense systems to counter Russian missiles, but Seoul has not yet responded to his request.
