Beijing — Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met on Wednesday morning at the Diaoyutai Hotel, emphasizing closer cooperation at a time when the war in Ukraine remains ongoing.
Putin thanked Kim for North Korea’s backing in the conflict, highlighting the role of North Korean troops deployed in the Kursk region. He described their actions as courageous, though reports indicate heavy losses among the more than 10,000 soldiers sent to support Russian forces.
Kim’s Pledge of Continued Assistance
Kim welcomed Putin’s recognition and called the support “one brother helping another.” He assured that North Korea is ready to continue assisting Russia and signaled interest in expanding cooperation in other areas as well.
The talks came ahead of Beijing’s military parade, where Putin, Kim, and Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared together. Their joint presence drew worldwide attention, and former U.S. President Donald Trump later criticized the event, calling it a coordinated move against the United States.
