SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed continued support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, according to state media reports Saturday.

The discussions signal deepening military and strategic ties between the two nations amid growing global concerns.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on enhancing their countries’ strategic partnership and defending their sovereignty against what they described as imperialist aggression.

Kim reiterated North Korea’s support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, calling it a defensive measure against NATO’s eastward expansion and U.S.-led attempts to weaken Russia.

“North Korea will invariably support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity from the imperialists’ moves for hegemony,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

Reports from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine indicate that North Korea has sent over 10,000 troops to Russia, with some already deployed on the frontlines in Ukraine.

Additionally, North Korea is alleged to have shipped artillery, missiles, and other weapons to bolster Russia’s depleted stockpiles.

Both countries have denied these claims, although they have not formally addressed the troop movements.

South Korea and its allies fear that in return for its support, North Korea may receive advanced weapons technologies from Russia, including air defense systems and assistance in developing nuclear missile capabilities.

South Korean national security adviser Shin Wonsik recently stated that Russia appears to have supplied North Korea with air defense missile systems, military technologies, and economic aid.

The growing partnership between the two nations follows the June signing of a treaty requiring mutual military assistance if either country is attacked. This agreement, considered their most significant defense pact since the Cold War, underscores the strategic alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Belousov’s visit also included a meeting with North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol and a banquet, where he emphasized the importance of their partnership in resisting imperialist aggression. — Agencies