Kim Jong Un Backs Russia in Ukraine Conflict

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed strong support for Russia's right to self-defense against Ukraine, attributing the conflict to direct U.S. military intervention. During a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Kim claimed that Western influences compelled Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons against Russian territory. He reiterated North Korea's commitment to bolster ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation, following a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with President Vladimir Putin. Reports indicate that since their summit last September, North Korea has supplied Russia with over 10,000 containers of ammunition and other military equipment. Additionally, South Korea's intelligence suggests that North Korea has dispatched over 10,000 troops to assist Russian forces in combat operations. The discussion did not clarify whether troop deployment was addressed during Kim's meeting with Belousov.