Kim Jong-un says Russia has the right to defend itself against Ukraine

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov on November 30, KCNA news agency reported. At the meeting, Mr. Kim said that the US and the West gave Ukraine the green light to use their long-range weapons to attack Russian territory, and Moscow should act to "respond to hostile forces."

"The government, army and people of North Korea always support Russia's policy to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mr. Kim declared.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Photo: KCNA)

KCNA said the North Korean leader pledged to expand ties with Russia in all areas, including military affairs, under the comprehensive strategic partnership he signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, which includes a mutual defense agreement.

Moscow and Pyongyang have made significant progress in relations since their leaders held a summit in Russia last September.

Since then, North Korea has shipped more than 10,000 containers of ammunition, self-propelled artillery and multiple rocket launchers, according to South Korea’s spy agency. The agency also accuses North Korea of ​​sending more than 10,000 troops to Russia, who have been deployed to the front lines, including the Kursk region, where Russian troops are trying to push back Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine has fired US-made long-range ATACMS missiles at targets inside Russia after the administration of US President Joe Biden lifted all restrictions on Kiev.

In response, Russia attacked Ukraine's energy and military infrastructure, citing retaliation for moves by the US and the West.

Russian Defense Minister Belousov also held separate talks with North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol and said that the cooperation pact between Mr. Kim and Mr. Putin would contribute to maintaining the balance of power in Northeast Asia.

KCNA said Mr. Kim personally attended a reception organized by the Defense Ministry for Mr. Belousov's delegation.

Hoa Vu (Source: Reuters)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/ong-kim-jong-un-noi-nga-co-quyen-tu-ve-truoc-ukraine-ar910542.html