# North Korea-Russia alliance amid Ukraine war > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-korearussia-alliance-amid-ukraine-war > Updated: 2026-08-14T23:58:32.000Z. Sources: 99. Developments: 3. In July 2026, North Korea intensified its strategic partnership with Russia. On 18 July, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui arrived in Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reaffirming unwavering support for Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine and underscoring the mutual-defence pact signed in 2024. Putin praised North Korean troop contributions that helped push Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region. By 29 July, diplomatic outreach expanded following Premier Pak Thae Song’s visit to Beijing. Intelligence reports indicated Russia requested an additional 30,000 North Korean troops and the transfer of various long-range ballistic missiles—including the Hwasong-15, 17, 18, 19, and 20—to bolster Russia’s war effort. This cooperation, alongside high-level exchanges with China, suggests a deepening trilateral alignment. On 15 August, marking the 81st anniversary of Korean Liberation Day, Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin exchanged messages reaffirming their ties. Kim expressed pride in the growing relationship and confidence in Russia’s ability to defend its territorial integrity. Putin described the bond as having reached an “unprecedented high level of comprehensive strategic partnership,” noting a shared history of struggle against colonial rule. To mark the occasion, the Russian ship Pallada conducted a goodwill visit to Wonsan port. Amidst these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised alarms, accusing Russia of utilizing North Korean ballistic missiles and claiming North Korea has agreed to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 soldiers to support Russian forces. ## Claims - Kim Jong Un emphasized that the legacy of blood ties and military friendship serves as a foundation for bilateral relations. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Russia and North Korea are coordinating efforts to ensure regional security and stability. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Russia and North Korea have reached an unprecedented high level of comprehensive strategic partnership. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The two nations aim to work together to build a more fair, balanced, and democratic international order. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The Russian ship Pallada arrived at Wonsan port for a goodwill visit on Saturday tied to the liberation anniversary. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Kim Jong Un expressed pride in the strengthening bilateral relations between North Korea and Russia in a letter to Vladimir Putin. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Kim Jong Un visited the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang to pay tribute to Soviet soldiers who fought against Japan during World War II. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Kim Jong Un expressed confidence that Russia will prosper and defend its territorial integrity under Vladimir Putin's leadership. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Ukraine has accused North Korea of preparing to send between 30,000 and 50,000 troops to support Russian forces. (corroborated by 7 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin reaffirm strategic ties Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their strategic partnership on the anniversary of Korean Liberation Day, amid reports of North Korean military support for Russia in Ukraine. 60 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/putin-tells-kim-jong-un-that-russia-north-korea-ties-have-reached-an-unprecedented-level ### 2026-07-29: North Korea deepens military ties with Russia and China amid Ukraine war North Korea pledged support for Russia’s Ukraine war, deepened ties with China, and agreed to supply troops and advanced missiles under a 2024 defence pact, raising regional security risks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-korea-deepens-military-ties-with-russia-and-china-amid-ukraine-war ### 2026-07-18: North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui Reaffirms Alliance with Russia in Moscow North Korea’s foreign minister Choe Son Hui met Lavrov and Putin in Moscow, reaffirming the 2024 strategic partnership and thanking Pyongyang for troop support in Russia’s war on Ukraine. 43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-korea-foreign-minister-visits-russia-for-strategic-talks --- Cite as: North Korea-Russia alliance amid Ukraine war. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-korearussia-alliance-amid-ukraine-war