Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the coastal city of Wonsan, where the two reaffirmed the strength of their growing alliance. Lavrov hailed the relationship as an “invincible fighting brotherhood,” emphasizing the strategic and military cooperation that has intensified amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The visit marks another chapter in the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, with both sides expanding their dialogue and cooperation in recent years. Lavrov delivered a personal message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing hope for increased direct engagement between the two nations.
A key focus of the discussions was the proposed mutual defence pact and wider strategic cooperation. Lavrov expressed gratitude for North Korea’s military support, particularly the deployment of troops to assist Russian operations in the Kursk region during efforts to repel Ukrainian forces. In addition to combat troops, North Korea has agreed to send 6,000 military engineers and builders to help reconstruct damaged infrastructure in the region.
The talks also included a meeting between Lavrov and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, where both sides discussed developments surrounding the Ukraine conflict. Lavrov noted that North Korea had reiterated its full backing for Russia’s military campaign and leadership.
The coastal city of Wonsan, which served as the backdrop for the meeting, is not only a strategic military hub with missile and naval facilities but also the site of a newly launched seaside resort. Russian officials highlighted the potential for the city to become a destination for Russian tourists, aided by the planned construction of a bridge over the Tumen River and the resumption of direct rail connections between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The South Korean intelligence community has reported that North Korea could send additional troops to support Russia in the near future. Already, over 10,000 North Korean soldiers are said to be operating in Ukraine alongside Russian forces, marking a significant military alliance between the two countries.
Lavrov’s visit comes as part of a broader diplomatic tour, with plans to travel next to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Russian officials indicated that more high-level visits to North Korea are expected later in the year, pointing to sustained efforts to bolster political, military, and economic cooperation.
The emerging Russia-North Korea partnership reflects a shift in global alliances, driven by shared opposition to Western policies and mutual strategic interests. As both nations continue to face sanctions and diplomatic pressure from the West, their alignment appears to be strengthening, with practical cooperation on defense, reconstruction, and infrastructure development becoming key pillars of the relationship.
With the new coastal resort in Wonsan positioned as a potential hub for regional tourism and connectivity, both governments appear keen on showcasing the benefits of their partnership beyond the battlefield. The evolving cooperation between the two countries signals a deepening alliance that may reshape power dynamics in Northeast Asia and beyond.
