North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui described Russia's military operation in Ukraine as a "holy war" during a visit to Moscow on Monday [1].
The statement signals a deepening ideological and military alignment between Pyongyang and Moscow as the conflict in Ukraine continues. By framing the invasion in religious or moral terms, Choe justifies the continued provision of North Korean resources and personnel to the Russian war effort.
During her meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Choe said the operation is intended to remove the root causes of the Ukraine crisis [1]. She said that the military actions are necessary to protect Russian sovereignty and territory [1].
This diplomatic visit follows a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between the two nations two years ago [2]. That agreement has paved the way for increased cooperation, including the deployment of North Korean troops to support Russian forces.
Reports indicate that approximately 7,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in Ukraine since the start of the conflict [2]. Despite these casualties, Choe said that North Korea will maintain its support for the Kremlin's objectives.
The rhetoric used by Choe suggests that Pyongyang views the conflict not merely as a geopolitical struggle, but as a fundamental battle for sovereignty. This positioning aligns with the broader strategy of the North Korean leadership to isolate the West while securing technical and economic aid from Russia.
“"Russia's special military operation is a 'holy war' to remove the root causes of the Ukraine crisis,"”
The use of the term 'holy war' elevates the conflict from a strategic partnership to an ideological crusade, suggesting that North Korea is fully committed to Russia's victory regardless of the human cost. This alignment increases the risk of further escalation in Eastern Europe and complicates international efforts to pressure Pyongyang into denuclearization, as the regime now has a powerful, permanent ally in Moscow.
