The North Korean leader told Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who has visited Pyongyang, that Ukraine's use of long-range weapons is the result of direct military intervention by the United States and the West (in the Ukraine war) and Russia has the right to take action to defend itself.

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): Reuters news agency quoted the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as saying that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who has visited Pyongyang, that Ukraine's use of long-range weapons is the result of direct military intervention by the United States and the West (in the Ukraine war) and Russia has the right to take action to defend itself.
In this meeting, Kim emphasized the expansion of relations with Russia in all areas, including military affairs, based on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Belousov: North Korea is one of the few countries with a completely independent foreign policy
Key points from the statement of the Russian Defense Ministry on the meeting of the Russian Defense Minister with Kim Jong-un:
Belaousov thanked the North Korean leader for his commitment to deep relations with Russia.
The Russian Defense Minister sent the North Korean leader "friendly greetings and best wishes from Vladimir Putin."
North Korean military groups were invited to take part in the military parade on Red Square on May 9.
Belaousov also met with North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol on Friday and, referring to the close relations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, said: "Trust-based relations between the leaders of the two countries play an important role in strengthening cooperation between Russia and North Korea."
The Russian Defense Minister added: "The historic meeting of the Russian President and the North Korean leader in Pyongyang in June 2024 demonstrated the highest level of mutual trust between the two countries."
Recalling that the most important result of the meeting between the leaders of Russia and North Korea was the signing of an important intergovernmental document and a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between the two countries, Belousov emphasized: "The signing of this treaty demonstrates the common desire of Moscow and Pyongyang to expand close and bilateral cooperation at a time when the world is in a complex international situation." The strengthening of Pyongyang-Moscow relations comes at a time when reports indicate that North Korea has sent troops and ammunition to Russia and that North Korean forces have participated in the war in Ukraine.