Putin names N.Korea among partners for Ukraine War settlement

Seoul

Russian President Vladimir Putin has included North Korea as one of the countries he is willing to collaborate with in efforts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine war. Speaking in Murmansk, Russia, Putin highlighted that, in addition to the United States, countries like China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and all BRICS nations, as well as North Korea, could serve as partners in finding a solution.

According to a report by Russian news agency Tass, President Putin also expressed his openness to any initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict.

The inclusion of North Korea comes amid growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang regarding the Ukraine war. North Korea has reportedly deployed thousands of troops to support Russian forces. Additionally, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko confirmed preparations for a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Russia later this year.

This development follows the recent awarding of a Russian medal to Kim Jong-un, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, which marks the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. The award, presented in Pyongyang by Russian Ambassador Alexandr Matsegora, recognizes Kim’s efforts to honor Soviet soldiers buried in North Korea. Kim has previously received similar honors in 2015 and 2020.