Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has stated that the country’s decision to send troops to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine was “justifiable,” citing it as an exercise of sovereign rights under a mutual defense treaty with Moscow, as reported by Pyongyang’s state media on Saturday. Kim’s comments came during his visit to the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, known as Victory Day.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim highlighted a mutual defense treaty signed with Russia last year as the basis for his decision to deploy North Korean troops. He asserted that the order to send troops to the Kursk front-line region was in line with fulfilling the treaty’s obligations. Kim referred to the North’s involvement in the conflict as a legitimate action, emphasizing it as part of their sovereign rights, and praised the North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine as “heroes.”

Last month marked North Korea’s first acknowledgment of its troop deployment to Russia, with Seoul’s spy agency estimating about 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent, resulting in over 4,700 casualties, including around 600 deaths. The defense treaty between North Korea and Russia, established in June last year, includes a clause for immediate military assistance if either country faces an attack.

Kim accused Ukraine of infringing on Russian territory and warned that North Korea would not hesitate to use military force if the United States and its allies attempted further aggression against Russia. He criticized the actions of the Ukrainian forces and warned against the potential for increased aggression by allies of the U.S., particularly pointing to troops in Seoul.

Meanwhile, Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory Day with a military parade on Friday, attended by several international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Although Kim was expected to participate in the celebrations, he remained absent, reportedly due to security and logistical concerns.