North Korea's Kim Jong-un Reaffirms 'Blood Alliance' with Russia, Justifies Ukraine War Involvement on Victory Day

On May 9, 2025, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to mark the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day. He described North Korea's relationship with Russia as a 'blood alliance' and defended North Korea's military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a sovereign right. North Korea has deployed troops to support Russia, particularly in the Kursk region. This deepening military cooperation is part of a strategic partnership agreement signed in 2024, which includes mutual defense provisions.

Kim Jong-un’s Visit to Russian Embassy on Victory Day

On May 9, Kim Jong-un, accompanied by his daughter, made a rare public appearance at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to commemorate Victory Day, a key Russian national holiday. The event, which marks the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945, has taken on renewed political significance amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

During his speech, Kim praised the historical and ideological bonds between North Korea and Russia, stating, “Our two countries are bound by blood. I firmly believe that this blood alliance will continue into the future.” He emphasized that North Korea’s participation in the Ukraine conflict was not only justified but also a sovereign right, asserting, “We fought a common enemy with blood. Our participation in the war is legitimate and within our sovereign rights” (NHK).

North Korea’s Military Support for Russia

North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war has become increasingly overt. In late April 2025, Pyongyang officially confirmed that it had deployed troops to support Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk border region. According to Russian Ambassador to North Korea Aleksandr Matsegora, North Korean troops played a “very big” role in operations there (Anadolu Agency).

Kim referred to these soldiers as “heroes” and “representatives of the nation’s honor,” highlighting their sacrifices and valor in combat. He also warned that if the “henchmen of the United States and the West” attempted another assault on Russia, North Korea would “unhesitatingly issue an order on using the armed forces of the DPRK in repelling the enemy’s invasion” (Kyiv Independent).

Strategic Partnership and Mutual Defense Treaty

The deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow is underpinned by a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed in 2024. The pact includes provisions for mutual military support in the event of an attack by a third party. Russian officials have indicated that they would consider providing military assistance to North Korea under the terms of this agreement (Anadolu Agency).

Kim’s remarks during the embassy visit appeared to reinforce this mutual defense commitment. By invoking the term “blood alliance”—a phrase historically reserved for North Korea’s relationship with China during the Korean War—Kim signaled a significant elevation in the strategic importance of Russia to Pyongyang.

Military and Technological Exchange

In return for its support, North Korea has reportedly received technical assistance from Russia, including satellite technology, drones, and anti-aircraft missile systems. South Korean intelligence sources have suggested that this exchange has bolstered North Korea’s military capabilities, particularly in the areas of surveillance and air defense (StratNews Global).

The military parade in Moscow on May 9, attended by over two dozen world leaders including China’s Xi Jinping, showcased Russia’s evolving warfare capabilities, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and modernized armored units. Although Kim did not attend the parade in person, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly thanked North Korean troops for their contributions and sacrifices (AP News).

Ideological Alignment and Anti-Western Rhetoric

Kim’s speech also underscored a shared ideological stance between North Korea and Russia, particularly in opposition to Western influence. He described Russia as a “spiritual model” for North Korea and a nation that “does not tolerate injustice.” This rhetoric aligns with Moscow’s own narrative of resisting Western hegemony and justifying its actions in Ukraine as a defense against NATO expansion.

Putin, in his Victory Day address, praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine and framed the conflict as a continuation of the Soviet Union’s historic struggle against fascism. He stated, “We are proud of their courage and determination, their spiritual force that always has brought us victory” (AP News).

Casualties and Continued Deployment

Reports indicate that North Korea initially dispatched approximately 11,000 troops to Russia in the fall of 2024, with an additional 3,000 sent earlier this year. According to Ukrainian sources, more than a third of these soldiers have been killed or injured in combat (Kyiv Independent).

Despite these losses, Kim remains resolute in his support for Russia, framing the involvement as part of a “sacred mission” for the DPRK’s “brothers and comrades-in-arms.” His statements suggest that North Korea is prepared to deepen its military engagement if the conflict escalates further.

Broader Geopolitical Context

The strengthening of North Korea-Russia ties comes amid Russia’s increasing isolation from the West following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure mount, Moscow has sought to solidify alliances with countries like North Korea, Iran, and China. The partnership with Pyongyang offers Russia not only military manpower but also a symbolic counterweight to Western coalitions.

For North Korea, the alliance provides access to advanced military technology and a powerful geopolitical ally willing to support its strategic ambitions on the Korean Peninsula. Analysts in South Korea have noted that Kim’s emphasis on the mutual defense treaty may be a signal to Washington and Seoul that Russia could intervene in the event of a conflict on the peninsula (NHK).

References

• 北朝鮮 キム総書記“ロシアとは血盟関係” 軍事的な深まり強調 | NHK
• North Korea's involvement Russia-Ukraine war exercise of ‘sovereign rights’: Kim Jong Un
• Kim Jong Un says North Korea's involvement in Russia's war 'part of sacred mission'
• Kim Jong Un Visits Russian Embassy As North Korea-Russia Ties Deepen
• Victory Day parade in Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany
• Kim Jong Un visits Russian embassy for Victory Day 80th anniversary