Kim Jong Un reaffirms North Korea's support for Russia against Ukraine

Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his willingness to "invariably" support Russia's war against Ukraine during his meeting with a top Russian security official, Pyongyang's state media reported on Saturday.

Kim met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, describing their talks as "important and useful". Shoigu, Russia's former defence minister, had arrived in North Korea just hours prior to the meeting.

During their meeting, Kim Jong-un and Sergei Shoigu engaged in in-depth discussions on a broad range of issues, including bilateral security interests, regional matters, and global concerns. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the two sides reaffirmed their consensus on these key issues.

Kim also said it is "the steadfast option and resolute will of the DPRK government to invariably support Russia in the struggle for defending the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests in the future," the report said.

DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name.

Shoigu presented an "important signed letter" from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kim, the KCNA said without disclosing details.

Experts speculate that Sergei Shoigu's visit to North Korea was likely to discuss Russia's stance on a ceasefire in the Ukraine war and potential benefits for Pyongyang in return for North Korea's military support.

During phone talks this week, Putin agreed with US President Donald Trump to temporarily halt strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in a partial ceasefire in the war.

Shoigu's trip also came amid speculation that Kim may travel to Russia, possibly in May on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day. Putin invited Kim to visit Moscow during his trip to Pyongyang last June for bilateral summit talks.

(inputs from IANS)