During a lengthy meeting in Beijing at China’s major military parade, Vladimir Putin invited Kim Jong-un to visit Russia. Kim responded by promising to “do everything I can to assist” Moscow. The invitation, delivered through interpreters and captured in a Kremlin video, came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of demonstrating “impunity” with fresh overnight strikes on Ukraine.
Putin and Kim, the authoritarian leaders of Russia and North Korea, were in Beijing as guests of Xi Jinping for a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, referred to in China as the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. North Korea has supported Russia’s war in Ukraine by supplying weapons and troops.
The three leaders appeared together at the start of Wednesday’s ceremony, walking side by side on the red carpet into Tiananmen Square. This is believed to be the first time they have all been in the same place. In a bilateral meeting lasting over two hours, Kim was recorded telling Putin “see you soon” and hugging him goodbye. Putin replied, “We are waiting for you, come visit us.”
A trip to Russia would be only Kim’s third foreign visit in six years. His first was to Russia’s Far East in 2023, and the second was this week’s journey to Beijing on an armored train.
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has become a key supporter, sending artillery shells, missiles, and thousands of troops to assist in the conflict. These troops were deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces had crossed the border, though the deployment was initially denied. Last year, Russia and North Korea signed an agreement pledging mutual “military and other assistance” if either is attacked. Putin thanked North Korea for sending troops, praising their “courageous and heroic” efforts in Kursk.
Putin’s visit to Beijing followed the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in Tianjin and a bilateral meeting with Xi. It coincided with a major Russian overnight attack on Ukraine, involving an estimated 500 drones and two dozen missiles targeting civilian infrastructure, especially energy facilities. At least four railway workers were injured, and Poland scrambled defense aircraft in response.
Zelenskyy accused Putin of “showing his impunity” and called for stronger sanctions, stating that the aggression continues due to insufficient pressure on Russia’s war economy. He made these remarks ahead of meetings with Baltic and Nordic officials in Denmark.
Zelenskyy has accepted Donald Trump’s proposals for a ceasefire and direct peace talks with Putin, but the Kremlin has raised objections. At the Tianjin summit, Putin mentioned reaching “understandings” with Trump during their recent meeting in Alaska, expressing hope that these would lead toward peace in Ukraine.
Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, and some legal experts are calling for an arrest warrant against Kim for aiding Russia’s war efforts.
No formal trilateral meeting between Kim, Putin, and Xi was announced in Beijing. Although Xi and Putin have declared a “limitless” partnership, analysts note that Beijing is troubled by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and North Korea’s deepening involvement.Xi is providing direct support to both nations while carefully managing his alliances. He aims to maintain this balance without provoking additional sanctions from the U.S. and other allies of Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Kim Jonguns pledge of support to Moscow designed to be clear and helpful for a range of readers
General Beginner Questions
1 What exactly happened between Kim Jongun and Vladimir Putin
Kim Jongun the leader of North Korea recently visited Russia and met with President Vladimir Putin During their meeting Kim pledged his full and unconditional support for Russias actions
2 What does full support actually mean
While the exact details are often kept secret full support in this context is widely believed to mean North Korea will provide Russia with military supplies like artillery shells and rockets for its war in Ukraine It could also involve other forms of economic or political backing
3 Why is this meeting such a big deal
Its significant because it publicly strengthens an alliance between two heavily sanctioned countries that are opposed to the USled Western world order It suggests a new level of military cooperation that could impact the war in Ukraine
4 What does Russia get out of this deal
Russia gets a new source of weapons and ammunition to replenish its stocks for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine It also gains a strategic political partner in Asia
5 What does North Korea get in return
North Korea is likely seeking advanced Russian technology for its weapons programs particularly for satellites nuclearpowered submarines and missile guidance systems It may also request food aid and economic support
Advanced Detailed Questions
6 Is North Korea already sending weapons to Russia
US and South Korean intelligence officials have stated they believe arms negotiations between the two countries are actively advancing and weapons transfers are likely already underway or imminent
7 Isnt this a violation of international sanctions
Yes United Nations Security Council resolutions which Russia itself voted for in the past explicitly ban all arms trade with North Korea By engaging in this both countries are violating these international sanctions
8 How might this affect the war in Ukraine
A large supply of North Korean artillery shells could help Russia sustain its high rate of fire on the front lines potentially giving it an advantage in a war of attrition However the quality and reliability of North Korean munitions are considered lower than Russias own stockpiles
9 What is the potential risk for North Korea
This move further isolates North Korea from the West and could lead to even
