Russian President Vladimir Putin met today in Beijing with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who promised to continue supporting Russia in whatever it needs, as he already did by providing troops to drive Ukrainian soldiers out of the Kursk region.

For an hour and a half, several high-ranking Russian diplomats, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, were present in the talks. Afterwards, Kim and Putin continued their conversation without advisors for another hour, according to Russian agencies.

“If there is anything we can do to help Russia, we will certainly do it and consider it our duty as brothers. We will do everything necessary to assist Russia,” Kim said at the start of the meeting, according to the Interfax agency.

The meeting occurred after both leaders attended the commemorative parade in Beijing, standing on either side of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific.

Kim emphasized that since signing the partnership agreement with Putin in June 2024 — which includes a mutual defense clause in case of aggression — “relations between the two countries have been progressing in all areas.”

Meanwhile, the Kremlin dismissed President Trump’s claims that the gatherings in Beijing among the Russian, Chinese, and North Korean leaders constitute a conspiracy against the United States.

Our ties have become a veritable alliance… Your special units fought bravely in the liberation of Russia’s Kursk region’ — Putin to Kim Jong Un in Beijing