A Russian official praised Moscow-Pyongyang relations at a banquet in Pyongyang, saying they are safeguarding world peace and justice against a common enemy. The event marked Russia's Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23. North Korea's support in the Ukraine war was highlighted.
At a banquet hosted by the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang, Russian Defense Attache Alexei Bartusov praised Moscow-Pyongyang relations. The Rodong Sinmun newspaper quoted him as saying, "(North Korea and Russia) are safeguarding the world's peace and justice in opposition to their common enemy."
The event took place at the Taedonggang Diplomatic Club to mark Russia's Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23, commemorating the founding of the Red Army. It was attended by Russia's acting ambassador to Pyongyang and North Korean officials. Bartusov emphasized bilateral solidarity forged through Pyongyang's dispatch of troops to support Russia in its war with Ukraine, stating, "Russia will forever remember the great service of North Korean soldiers in the operation to liberate the Kursk region."
He noted that ties have been elevated to an unprecedentedly high level in line with the will of the two countries' leaders, expressing "sincere" thanks to the North Korean leadership and people for their support for Russia's struggle against the West. A North Korean vice defense minister described the countries as having "friendship forged in blood on the battlefield," vowing that "Pyongyang will always be with Moscow."
According to the embassy's Telegram account, participants also viewed a photo exhibition at the diplomatic club featuring the Russia-Ukraine war and the Russian military's modern combat achievements. The event was linked to a commemoration at a site in Pyongyang honoring Russian soldiers killed while fighting for North Korea during World War II.
