'Identical views on all strategic issues': Russia warns US against anti-North Korea alliance; Kim Jong Un backs war in Ukraine

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov visited North Korea on Saturday, and warned the United States, South Korea, and Japan against forming a security alliance aimed at Moscow's ally.Lavrov met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the eastern coastal city of Wonsan, delivering greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, saying both Moscow and Pyongyang shared “identical views on all strategic issues in conformity with the level of alliance,” according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).Lavrov also called for greater “strategic and tactical cooperation” between Russia and North Korea, and highlighted their alignment on international affairs. He also accused the US, South Korea, and Japan of escalating military pressure on North Korea.“We warn against exploiting these ties to build alliances directed against anyone, including North Korea and, of course, Russia,” he said, according to Russia's state Tass news agency.

Lavrov’s remarks come as the US, South Korea, and Japan ramped up joint military drills in response to North Korea’s expanding nuclear program. Just days earlier, the three allies held a joint air exercise near the Korean Peninsula involving US nuclear-capable bombers.North Korea views such exercises as rehearsals for invasion and insists its nuclear weapons are necessary for self-defense. Lavrov backed that stance, saying Russia understands Pyongyang’s reasoning.“The technologies used by North Korea are the result of the work of its own scientists. We respect its aspirations and understand the reasons why it is pursuing nuclear development,” Lavrov said.During separate talks, with his counterpart Choe Son Hui, Lavrov thanked North Korea for what he said was its contribution during a Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Kursk region.The meeting was held in Wonsan, where North Korea recently unveiled a large beach resort as part of efforts to boost tourism. Lavrov said he hopes Russian tourists will begin visiting the area and pledged to support increased travel through improved air connections.