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Russian Duma Speaker Meets Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, Praises North Korean Support

Russian Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang to attend a memorial museum opening for North Korean soldiers killed fighting in Ukraine. Volodin conveyed President Putin's greetings and praised North Korea's "fraternal support" in liberating the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces. North Korea deployed around 15,000 troops to support Russia after Kim and Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty in June 2024. Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov also arrived for a working visit with North Korea's top leadership and military command.

Key Points: Russia Duma Speaker Meets Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang

  • Russian Duma Speaker Volodin meets Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang
  • Volodin conveys Putin's greetings and congratulations to Kim
  • Memorial museum opens for North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine war
  • Russia praises North Korea's "fraternal support" in Kursk liberation
  • Russian Defence Minister Belousov also arrives for working visit
2 min read

Russian Duma Speaker meets North Korean leader in Pyongyang

Russian Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, praises "fraternal support" in Ukraine war.

"This is truly a gesture from a friend - Vyacheslav Volodin"

Moscow, April 26

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met the visiting Speaker of Russia's lower house in Pyongyang, a media report said Sunday.

Kim met Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, who visited the country to attend the opening ceremony of a memorial museum honouring North Korean soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in its war with Ukraine, according to Russia's Tass news agency.

During the meeting, Volodin conveyed President Vladimir Putin's greetings and best wishes, as well as congratulations on Kim's reelection as Chairman of the State Affairs Directorate.

"It is a great honour for us to be in Pyongyang these days, to participate in the opening of the Memorial Complex and Museum of the Military Exploits of the Heroes of the Foreign Military Operation," he noted.

The Duma Speaker added that the Russian people will never forget the heroism of the North Korean soldiers.

He also expressed gratitude for North Korea's "fraternal support" in "liberating Kursk, when Korean soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with our soldiers and officers, liberating Russian soil from Ukrainian Nazis. Together, we honour the memory of those heroes who died giving their lives for the freedom of our homeland. This is truly a gesture from a friend", according to Tass.

The relationship between Kim and Putin "has become key to building the future, especially during the most difficult times," Volodin added.

North Korea deployed around 15,000 combat troops to support Russia in the war after Kim and President Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty in June 2024.

On April 26 last year, Russia declared it had recaptured the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces, with North Korean troops playing a role in the operation.

Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov arrived in the North on Sunday for a working visit. He was met by the head of the DPRK Military Department, Army General No Gwang-chol, at the airport, Tass said.

"During his visit, the head of the Russian military department will meet with the DPRK's top leadership and the country's armed forces command in Pyongyang and participate in commemorative events," the ministry said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The reference to "Ukrainian Nazis" in the article seems like classic propaganda. Both sides use such language. But the fact that North Korean soldiers fought in Kursk is a big deal. Shows how desperate Russia is for allies. India must stay neutral but keep all options open. 🤔
A
Arjun K
While Russia is our trusted partner, this whole episode is concerning. India has always opposed unilateral sanctions and regime change, but we cannot endorse a war where thousands of North Korean troops are dying for another country. Hope our diplomats are taking notes.
S
Shreya B
"Fraternal support"? Come on, this is just transactional. North Korea gets food, fuel, and tech support; Russia gets cannon fodder. For India, the lesson is clear: invest in domestic defense manufacturing so we never have to beg for friends in a conflict. 🇮🇳
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Michael C
As an outsider living in Bangalore, I see how this alliance worries many Indians. The US and China are already watching. India has to walk a tightrope: maintain old ties with Russia while building new ones with the West. It's a tough game, but if anyone can do it, it's India.
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Rohan X
Why is there no condemnation from the global community? 15,000 North Korean troops fighting in Europe? That's a dangerous escalation. India should use its voice in the UN to call for de-escalation rather than sitting on the fence. Pakistan is watching and might learn lessons from this. 😠

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