North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui Reaffirms Alliance with Russia in Moscow

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui arrived in Moscow on July 18, 2026, for high‑level talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. State media quoted Choe as expressing "unwavering support for all internal and external policies of the Russian Federation to eliminate the root cause of the Ukrainian dispute and defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and international justice." Putin thanked Pyongyang for its assistance in the "special military operation" in Ukraine, praising the contributions of North Korean troops that helped push Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region.

The visit emphasized the implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership signed by Kim Jong Un and Putin in 2024, under which the two countries pledge mutual defence. Russia affirmed full support for North Korea’s efforts to protect its sovereignty, while Pyongyang reiterated its commitment to Russia’s cause in Ukraine. Analysts note the exchange of military aid, financial assistance, weapons and energy supplies between the partners, underscoring the deepening alliance amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.