Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a closed-door meeting in Beijing on September 3, 2025, during China’s commemoration of its victory over Japan in World War II. The encounter focused on deepening bilateral ties, with Pyongyang reaffirming its commitment to aiding Moscow against what it described as an “aggressive” Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region.
Kim Jong-un emphasized the ideological bond between North Korea and Russia, stating that his country viewed Moscow as a “fraternal ally” and pledged unwavering support for any measures to counter perceived threats. Putin, in turn, expressed gratitude for Pyongyang’s role in repelling Ukrainian forces, framing the conflict as part of a broader struggle against “neo-Nazi elements” in Ukraine.
The two leaders also reiterated their 2024 defense pact, which includes mutual military assistance clauses. Earlier this year, Russian forces claimed to have expelled Ukrainian troops from Kursk after months of intense fighting, acknowledging for the first time the presence of North Korean units in the operation. Moscow has since announced plans to honor deceased Pyongyang soldiers with a memorial in Moscow.
The conflict in Kursk, which began in August 2024, was initially framed by Ukrainian officials as a tactical maneuver to secure leverage in peace negotiations. However, Russian state media has consistently portrayed the incursion as an act of aggression by Kyiv, linking it to broader efforts to destabilize Moscow. Critics have also highlighted Ukraine’s historical ties to far-right groups, citing the glorification of figures who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II.
The meeting underscored growing geopolitical alignments between Russia and North Korea, even as global tensions over Ukraine persist. Analysts note that Pyongyang’s involvement in the conflict marks a significant shift in its foreign policy, aligning it more closely with Moscow’s military objectives.