WONSAN, North Korea — Russia and North Korea have jointly blamed increased Western military activity for the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, according to a statement released Sunday by the Russian Foreign Ministry following a high-level visit to North Korea.

The announcement came during Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s three-day trip to the East Asian country, which included talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the resort city of Wonsan on Saturday.

The discussions were described as “warm” and “friendly,” focusing on regional security and bilateral cooperation.

“The parties agreed that the reason for the growing tension in the subregion is the increase in military activity of the United States and its allies, the increasingly frequent military maneuvers involving a nuclear component,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Lavrov reportedly expressed Moscow’s appreciation for North Korea’s “consistent, fundamental” support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, particularly citing the participation of North Korean troops in efforts to repel Ukrainian forces in the border region of Kursk in April.

The two sides also reviewed the implementation of previous agreements, with a focus on expanding practical cooperation across multiple sectors.

According to the statement, both Moscow and Pyongyang reaffirmed their shared approach to resolving issues on the Korean Peninsula through diplomatic means.

Lavrov also held talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui as part of the second round of strategic dialogue between the two countries. His visit underscores the deepening alliance between Russia and North Korea, as both nations face increasing isolation and sanctions from the West. — Agencies