"If North Korea can help Russia in any way, it certainly will," Kim Jong-un tells Putin.

247 - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stated in a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that his country is willing to offer support to Russia whenever necessary. The statement was released by the state news agency. Sputnik"If North Korea can help Russia in any way, it will certainly do so; it is a fraternal duty," Kim stated, reinforcing his nation's commitment to the Russian government.

Putin, in turn, commented that relations between the two countries have evolved significantly. The Russian president highlighted that this relationship has acquired a "special characteristic of trust and friendship, an allied character," as reported by the agency. The meeting took place in Beijing, during a military parade celebrating China's victory in the War of Resistance against Japan and in World War II, an event organized by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During his participation in the event, Putin praised the actions promoted by China, describing them as "brilliant" and "high-level." "I want to emphasize that the soldiers fought bravely and heroically," Putin said, referring to the significance of the war effort against fascism during World War II. This meeting with Kim Jong-un occurs at a critical moment, with the conflict in Ukraine still ongoing, while US President Donald Trump attempts to mediate negotiations with Putin to end the war.

The rapprochement between Russia and North Korea has been criticized by the West, especially regarding the support Pyongyang has given to Russia in the conflict against Ukraine. Kim Jong-un has sent thousands of soldiers to assist Russian forces in the fighting. In June of this year, the North Korean leader reaffirmed his commitment, promising unrestricted support to Russia. Last year, the two countries signed a strategic agreement that provides for closer military cooperation and mutual assistance in case of external aggression.

The day before meeting with Kim, Putin met with Xi Jinping, the president of China, where he highlighted the progress in relations between the two countries. The Russian president stated that this partnership has reached an "unprecedented" level and that the two nations are united in the fight against fascism. Xi, in turn, emphasized that this alliance, resilient to changes in the global landscape, serves as a model for other powers, and reaffirmed China's commitment to further strengthening ties with Russia.

Putin's meeting with Xi was also marked by a show of unity, with the three leaders – Putin, Xi, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – sharing symbolic gestures of alliance, such as shaking hands, to reinforce the strengthening of this international partnership.