North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed his support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, vowing to defend its sovereignty and security. In a statement, Kim said the army and people of North Korea will stand by Russia’s “just cause” in defending its territorial integrity.
The move comes amid reports that North Korean troops have returned to the front lines in Russia’s Kursk region, sparking concerns about the escalating conflict. Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed this, saying Moscow had withdrawn them due to heavy losses but they have now reappeared.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy downplayed hopes for an imminent end to fighting in Ukraine, stating that there would be no “weeks away from peace talks” and warning that Vladimir Putin shows “absolutely no appetite for negotiation”.
The situation remains tense, with Russia denying involvement in a recent telecoms cable damage in the Baltic Sea. The incident has raised concerns about increased surveillance operations by Nato members.
North Korea has also reaffirmed its commitment to developing nuclear forces, further straining relations between Washington and Pyongyang. As tensions continue to escalate, experts are warning of an increasingly complex and volatile situation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/09/ukraine-war-briefing-kim-jong-un-vows-ongoing-support-for-russias-just-cause