North Korea reaffirms support for Russia's war on Ukraine amid reports of Kim Kremlin visit

North Korea has reiterated its support for Russia's war on Ukraine during a meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers in Moscow, according to Pyongyang's state media, amid growing reports that leader Kim Jong Un could travel to Russia later this year. The meeting underscored the deepening partnership between the two nations, which has expanded significantly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Following talks between North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, North Korea's state news agency KCNA said both sides had "reaffirmed their steadfast political will to accelerate the long-term multi-faceted development of the bilateral relations".

"The DPRK side expressed invariable support for all the internal and external policies of the Russian Federation to eliminate the root cause of the Ukrainian dispute and defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and international justice," KCNA said.

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The agency added that Russia expressed full support for North Korea's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security.

Military cooperation continues to expand

Diplomatically isolated North Korea and Russia have steadily strengthened cooperation since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. Analysts say Pyongyang has deployed troops to Russia's Kursk region and supplied Moscow with weapons systems, receiving financial assistance, food, energy supplies and military technology in return.

In a video released by the Kremlin on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for its support, saying, "I would like once again to express my gratitude for the support provided to the special military operation we are conducting."

KCNA also reported that Choe laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers by the Kremlin wall during her visit.

Reports point to possible Kim visit

Kim Jong Un last travelled to Russia in September 2023, while Putin visited Pyongyang in June 2024.

South Korean media reports suggested Choe's trip to Moscow may have included discussions about a possible visit by Kim to Russia later this year.

"Putin has repeatedly invited Kim to visit Russia since his trip to Pyongyang in 2024," Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University, told AFP.

China remains North Korea's biggest trade partner

The reports come weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang, where he and Kim pledged to strengthen ties.

Despite North Korea's growing relationship with Russia, China remains its largest economic partner, accounting for nearly 98 per cent of the country's foreign trade in 2024, according to official figures.

"After hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping this year, Kim would have a strong incentive to visit Russia as well," Park said.

"It would showcase North Korea breaking out of diplomatic isolation while highlighting support from both China and Russia, reinforcing the image of a North Korea-China-Russia alignment."