North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made an unprecedented visit to the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on May 9 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in World War II—Victory Day—emphasizing deepening ties with Moscow and signaling support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
According to a Sunday report by the ruling party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, Kim delivered a commemorative speech during the visit, underscoring that “a threat to Russia is a threat to North Korea.” He further asserted that the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia is not only legitimate but necessary under the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between the two countries in June of the previous year.
Kim began his remarks with a symbolic gesture, noting the physical proximity of the Party Central Committee headquarters to the Russian Embassy—an 80-second drive—highlighting the “spiritual closeness” and “fraternal bond” between Pyongyang and Moscow that transcends geography.
He attributed North Korea’s own liberation to the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. He described his visit as both a historical obligation and a reaffirmation of the countries’ future partnership. Framing the Ukraine conflict through the lens of shared ideology, Kim referred to Ukraine as “neo-Nazi” and defended Russia’s invasion as a justified act in the name of global peace and security.
Calling Russia’s war effort a “special military operation,” Kim stated that any military threat against Russia should be regarded as a direct threat to North Korea. He said he had promptly communicated his commitment to treaty obligations to Russian President Vladimir Putin and had issued orders to North Korean troops to assist in combat operations, specifically referencing actions in Ukraine’s Kursk region.
Kim challenged international criticism of North Korea’s military involvement, insisting that participation is lawful and sovereign. “Those who question the legitimacy of our military’s actions should study the contents of the North Korea-Russia treaty,” he said.
In a further escalation of rhetoric, Kim warned that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict could have implications for the Korean Peninsula. He suggested that continued Western-backed military actions in Ukraine could embolden South Korea, which he referred to as a U.S. “lackey,” to take similar actions against North Korea. He vowed a military response if hostile forces proceed with what he described as “dangerous military invasion plans” against Russia.
Accompanying Kim on his visit was his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who was described in Rodong Sinmun as the “respected child”—a shift from previous references by the Korean Central News Agency, which had labeled her the “beloved daughter,” potentially signaling an elevated public role.
High-ranking officials present included Jo Yong-won, Pak Jong-chon, Ri Hi-yong, and Defense Minister No Kwang-chol. The report’s inclusion of Jo Yong-won—a key figure in North Korea’s political elite—suggests his status has been fully restored.
On the eve of his embassy visit, Kim also sent a joint congratulatory message to Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora on behalf of North Korea’s top governing bodies, including the Workers’ Party Central Committee, the State Affairs Commission, the Supreme People’s Assembly Standing Committee, and the Cabinet.
Kim’s visit and address come amid intensifying global scrutiny of North Korea’s alignment with Russia, particularly as military cooperation between the two nations appears to deepen under the guise of their strategic treaty.