North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed that his country will give “full support” to Russia’s military, describing it as a “fraternal duty,” after meeting President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The summit comes as the Ukraine war drags on and as Moscow deepens its reliance on Pyongyang for soldiers, weapons, and political cover.

Beijing Meeting And Symbolism

Kim and Putin joined Chinese President Xi Jinping at a massive military parade in Beijing, the first such joint appearance since the early Cold War. The display of advanced Chinese missiles, stealth aircraft, and underwater drones was interpreted as a geopolitical signal of alignment against Western powers, though analysts stressed it reflects overlapping national interests rather than a formal bloc.

Troops, Weapons, And Battlefield Impact

According to South Korean and Ukrainian sources, North Korea has already sent up to 15,000 troops to reinforce Russian offensives, particularly in the Kursk region, alongside significant shipments of artillery and missiles. Intelligence estimates suggest around 2,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed so far. Moscow is also moving to use North Korean manpower beyond combat, with plans for 1,000 deminers and 5,000 construction workers to support reconstruction in contested territories.

Treaty Foundations And Sanctions Gap

The Beijing talks reaffirmed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in 2024, which obliges both sides to assist one another in the event of armed attack. The treaty has gained new weight as Russia’s veto of the U.N. monitoring panel effectively dismantled multilateral oversight, allowing arms transfers and labor exchanges to expand with fewer barriers.

Strategic And Regional Consequences

For Ukraine and Europe, North Korean reinforcements and munitions give Russia added stamina, potentially prolonging the conflict and straining Western arms supplies. In Northeast Asia, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan have condemned Pyongyang’s involvement as a grave escalation, warning it could prompt additional sanctions and heightened military countermeasures. For North Korea, closer ties with Moscow deliver both international recognition and material benefits, including access to food, fuel, and technology, offering Kim a buffer against economic isolation.