North Korea’s leader promises to do its best to help Moscow

Vladimir Putin has invited Kim Jong-un to visit Russia during a lengthy meeting in Beijing on the sidelines of China’s biggest military parade, as Kim promised to do “everything I can to assist” Moscow, The Guardian writes.

North Korea has supported Russia in its war against Ukraine with weapons and troops, and the Russian president praised North Korean fighters for acting “courageously and heroically”.

The invitation to Kim, made through interpreters and shown in a video published by the Kremlin, came as Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accused Putin of demonstrating his “impunity” with fresh strikes on Ukraine overnight.

Putin and Kim were in the Chinese capital as guests of Xi Jinping for a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war.

The two leaders appeared alongside Xi at the opening of Wednesday’s ceremony, talking as they walked side by side on the red carpet into Tiananmen Square. It is believed to be the first time the three leaders have been in the same place together.

In a bilateral meeting of more than two hours, Kim told Putin: “If there’s anything I can do for you and the people of Russia, I will consider it as a fraternal duty, an obligation we need to bear, and will be prepared to do everything possible to help.”

Afterwards, Kim said “see you soon” and hugged Putin goodbye. “We are waiting for you. Come visit us,” Putin replied.

Russia and North Korea last year signed an agreement that mutually obliges them to provide “military and other assistance” in the event the other is attacked.