North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has offered his “unconditional support” to Russia in its war against Ukraine. His statement came during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday in the North Korean city of Wonsan, according to the country’s official news agency KCNA.

Lavrov delivered greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin and emphasized that Russia wants to deepen its strategic relationship with North Korea.

North Korea and Russia Strengthen Military Ties

This visit is another sign that Moscow and Pyongyang are growing closer, especially in military cooperation. Reports suggest North Korea has sent troops and ammunition to Russia, helping in the war with Ukraine. In return, Russia is believed to be providing North Korea with military and economic aid.

This increasing collaboration has raised serious concerns in the United States, South Korea, and Japan. These countries fear that North Korea might receive advanced technology, which could help boost its weapons programs.

Russia Warns Against Trilateral Military Alliance

While in North Korea, Lavrov criticized the United States, South Korea, and Japan for strengthening their military cooperation. He warned them against forming a security alliance aimed at containing North Korea, reflecting Russia’s own frustration with Western allies.

This statement came amid rising global tensions, as many countries are choosing sides in the ongoing Ukraine war and broader geopolitical disputes.

US, South Korea, Japan Respond with Joint Drills

At the same time, the US, South Korea, and Japan have stepped up their joint military exercises, saying they are a response to North Korea’s expanding nuclear weapons program. On Friday, they conducted an air drill near the Korean Peninsula that included US bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

High-ranking military officials from the three countries also met in Seoul, where they urged North Korea to halt actions that threaten peace in the region.

North Korea Calls Drills a Threat

In response, North Korea strongly condemned these drills, describing them as practice for a future invasion. The country insists its nuclear weapons are necessary to defend itself from what it calls "US threats."