Kim Jong-un claims North Korea’s participation in Russia’s war against Ukraine ‘justified’

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un defended his country’s decision to send troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling the move “justified” and an expression of North Korea’s sovereign rights.

On May 9, Kim delivered a speech at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Kim reaffirmed his commitment to the mutual defense treaty signed with Russia in 2024.

The event was part of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. North Korea’s state media, including the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Rodong Sinmun, published his remarks in full.

First Acknowledgment of Troop Deployment

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim said he ordered the deployment of North Korean forces to Russia’s Kursk region to help “liberate” the area in accordance with the treaty. He described North Korean troops currently fighting in Ukraine as “heroes” and emphasized that their participation in the conflict aligns with international norms on sovereign defense.

“Our participation in the war was justified, and this is within the realm of the exercise of our sovereign rights,” Kim said during a speech at the embassy.

Last month, North Korea publicly acknowledged for the first time that it had sent troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, an estimated 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed, with over 4,700 casualties, including approximately 600 deaths.

Kim framed the conflict as a defensive measure, alleging that Ukraine had invaded Russian territory and warned of possible escalation if the U.S. and its allies continued to support Kyiv.

Threats Toward U.S. and South Korea

Criticizing opponents of North Korea’s involvement, Kim said, “Those who condemn our participation must consider that had these criminals not invaded Russian territory, they would not now lie beneath our swords and spears.”

“If we neglect the Ukrainian puppet forces’ move to bluntly take military action against the nuclear power’s territory, they will be more recklessly brave,” Kim said. “Then, Seoul’s military, the top-class stooge of the U.S., would also increase its reckless bravado.”

The North Korean leader added that it was the duty of responsible nations to correct such “dangerous and misguided developments.”

The comments signal continued hostility toward South Korea and the United States, both of which have criticized North Korea’s alignment with Moscow in the ongoing conflict.

Praise for Putin and Solidarity with Russia

Kim once again referred to Putin as “my most intimate friend and comrade,” emphasizing their strong bilateral ties. The same day, North Korea’s Workers’ Party Central Committee, State Affairs Commission, Supreme People’s Assembly, and Cabinet jointly sent a congratulatory message to Russia.

While Russia marked Victory Day with a large military parade in Moscow on May 9, attended by world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un was notably absent. Analysts believe concerns over security and logistical challenges may have prevented his attendance despite widespread expectations.

BY MOOYOUNG LEE   [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]