Kim Jong Un's Rare Moscow Nod: Deepening Ties with Russia Amid Global Scrutiny

A Visit to the Russian Embassy Signals a Strengthening Alliance as North Korea and Russia Navigate Shared Challenges.

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang with his daughter on Friday, May 9, to celebrate Russia's Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, according to state media.

Kim stated that North Korea would "consolidate and develop the long tradition of the DPRK-Russia relations, the noble ideological foundation, and the invincible alliance," KCNA reported.

This visit comes amidst a significant strengthening of ties between North Korea and Russia, both of which face economic and political isolation. North Korea's support for Russia's actions in Ukraine has been notable, with deployments of troops, artillery ammunition, and missiles reportedly assisting Russia.

South Korean intelligence suggests that approximately 600 North Korean troops have been killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, out of a total deployment of 15,000.

In return, Pyongyang appears to have received technical assistance on satellites, as well as drones and anti-aircraft missiles, South Korea has stated.

Russia marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany with a military parade in Moscow. The event was attended by China's Xi Jinping.

Chinese troops participated in the Moscow parade, and North Korean soldiers in uniform were also present. Afterwards, Putin greeted North Korean army generals. "Pyongyang and Moscow will always be together," said North Korea's foreign minister Choe Son Hui, according to KCNA.

Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied any weapons trade, though they have confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops on the frontlines in Russia's Kursk region.