North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged to provide full support to Russia, stating he will do “everything I can to assist” Moscow, following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.
The two leaders convened on the sidelines of China’s largest military parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia.
During their bilateral meeting, which lasted over two hours, Putin invited Kim to visit Russia, saying, “we are waiting for you, come visit us,” as Kim bid him farewell with a hug and the words “see you soon”.
This meeting underscores the strengthening alliance between Russia and North Korea, with both nations demonstrating a united front in the face of international pressure.
North Korea has become a key ally for Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, providing weapons and troops to support Russian forces. Putin praised North Korean fighters for their bravery, saying they acted “courageously and heroically” in helping Russia oust Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region.
The invitation for Kim to visit Russia comes as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of displaying “impunity” with fresh strikes on Ukraine overnight.
Zelenskyy urged tougher sanctions on Moscow, emphasizing that the lack of sufficient pressure on Russia’s war economy allows the aggression to continue.
“This undoubtedly requires a response from the world,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting the need for global action to counter Russia’s actions.
Meanwhile, Putin expressed optimism about potential peace negotiations, stating that Russian forces are advancing on “all fronts” but suggesting a chance for talks “if common sense prevails.”
However, he insisted that any such meeting should be held in Moscow, a proposal Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha swiftly dismissed as “unacceptable”.
The international community remains divided over the conflict in Ukraine, with the US and its allies imposing sanctions on Russia and calling for an end to the violence.
The presence of Xi Jinping, Putin, and Kim Jong-un in Beijing for the military parade highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with China striving to balance its alliances with both Russia and North Korea while avoiding further sanctions.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, the world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in peace talks. The meetings between Putin and Kim, along with their interactions with Xi Jinping, represent crucial diplomatic efforts that could shape the future of global politics and international relations.
