North Korea will ‘invariably support and encourage the just cause of the Russian army,’ says Kim Jong Un — Reuters

North Korea intends to support Russia in “defending [its] sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, said during a visit to the North Korean Defense Ministry on February 8, Reuters reported.

“The army and people of the DPRK will invariably support and encourage the just cause of the Russian army and people,” Kim said, citing the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between the two countries’ leaders back in June.

During his visit, Kim also condemned military cooperation between South Korea, Japan, and the United States, accusing the three nations of escalating tensions in the region. He said North Korea “does not want unnecessary tension” but will take “sustained countermeasures to ensure the regional military balance.”

According to the United States, South Korea, and Ukraine, North Korea has sent about 11,000 troops to fight in the Russian-Ukrainian war, with forces deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. The New York Times reported in January that North Korean troops were pulled back from the front lines after suffering heavy losses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on February 7 that Russia had once again deployed North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region.