Kim Jong Un Reaffirms to "Invariably" Support Russia for War Against Ukraine

News Summary

Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his unwavering support for Russia's war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, according to state media last Saturday.

Both sides discussed regional and global security issues, confirming alignment between their countries. Shoigu delivered a signed letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kim, though details were not disclosed.

Experts speculated Shoigu likely traveled to North Korea to convey Russia's position on a potential ceasefire in the Ukraine war and to discuss possible incentives for Pyongyang, including what Moscow might offer in exchange for North Korean troop support.

Commentary

As noted, Shoigu’s visit to North Korea appeared primarily aimed at briefing Pyongyang on Russia’s position regarding a potential ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. However, as of March 25, 2025, a partial ceasefire remains under negotiation and has yet to be fully implemented.

This backdrop makes the timing of Shoigu’s visit particularly significant, suggesting that Moscow may be looking to secure continued—or even expanded—support from North Korea as it navigates the shifting dynamics of the conflict.

Kim Jong Un’s strong reaffirmation of "unwavering" support for Russia reveals more than mere diplomatic alignment; it reflects a deepening reliance on Moscow amid North Korea’s growing isolation and mounting economic hardship. His insistence on maintaining close ties with Russia, regardless of geopolitical developments, points to a calculated strategy driven by desperation—preserving the Kremlin relationship has become essential to his regime’s stability and survival.

It appears that Kim may not even desire an end to the war, as a ceasefire could diminish Russia’s need for North Korean military assistance. He has invested heavily—possibly at the cost of thousands of young North Korean lives—in cementing ties with Moscow. This gamble has reportedly stirred unrest within North Korean society, and if the outcome doesn’t favor Pyongyang’s expectations, the political and social consequences for the Kim regime could be devastating.