North Korea backs Russia, warns US on Taiwan — SkimNews
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- North Korea criticized U.S. military support for Taiwan, warning Washington it could face confrontation with China over arms sales, including recent deliveries of F-16V fighter jets.
- Kim Jong Un sent a birthday message to Vladimir Putin pledging ongoing support for Russia’s war, framing it as a 'sacred war of justice' to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- KCNA published commentary from analyst Kim Myong Chol asserting that U.S. actions in the Taiwan Strait undermine regional peace and risk direct conflict with China.
- North Korea has reportedly sent 14,000 to 15,000 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine since 2024, according to South Korean and Ukrainian estimates.
- Russia and North Korea strengthened their alliance through a mutual defense pact signed in June 2024, expanding cooperation under a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Why it matters: North Korea’s dual stance—challenging U.S. policy on Taiwan while backing Russia’s war—increases geopolitical pressure on Washington, deepens Moscow’s access to manpower via Pyongyang, and signals a coordinated front among adversarial states. The 14,000+ troop deployment represents a material contribution to Russia’s campaign at a time of growing strain on its forces.
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