War in Ukraine: North Korea assures Russia that it will help it until its “victory”

Pyongyang will remain alongside Russia until its “victory” in Ukraine, the head of North Korean diplomacy assured Friday from Moscow, at a time when her country is suspected of deploying soldiers in support of the Russian army.

“There is no doubt that under the wise leadership of the distinguished Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian army and people will achieve a great victory (…) We reaffirm that we will always stand firmly alongside our comrades Russians until Victory Day,” Choe Son Hui said, according to a Russian translation of his remarks, during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

Fear of a dangerous escalation

This meeting between Sergei Lavrov and Choe Son Hui comes at a time when Ukraine and the West denounce a deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers near the front, seeing it as a dangerous “escalation” of the conflict.

“Very close contacts have been established between the military and security services of the two countries. This allows us to resolve important issues for the security of our citizens and yours,” the Russian minister, for his part, welcomed.

The two countries concluded a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” which notably provides for “immediate military aid” in the event of armed aggression from third countries.

This meeting between Sergei Lavrov and Choe Son Hui also comes a few days before the American presidential election, at a time when North Korea is raising tensions with the firing of an intercontinental missile with the stated objective of strengthening its nuclear deterrence.

Strengthening the nuclear arsenal

Choe Son Hui also said on Friday that his country would “strengthen its nuclear arsenal”. Pyongyang is also suspected of requesting Russian technologies in exchange for its military support for the Russian army.

Russia and North Korea have grown significantly closer since Moscow launched its assault on Ukraine in February 2022.

Pyongyang is accused by the West of supplying quantities of shells and missiles to the Russian army in its conflict with Ukraine.