Beijing. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in Beijing.

The two leaders met formally at the Diaoyutai State Guest House after attending a grand military parade in the heart of the Chinese capital to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The Kremlin said on social media that Putin and Kim had arrived together in the same car from the ceremonial reception to the venue.

Praise of North Korean soldiers

Addressing reporters at the start of the meeting, Putin praised the courage and bravery of North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian forces in the war with Ukraine.

South Korea estimates north Korea has sent about 15,000 troops to Russia since last year. At the same time, it has also provided a large amount of military equipment, including ballistic missiles and artillery, adding to Putin’s three-year-long attack on Ukraine.

Strategic partnership and cooperation

In initial remarks, Kim said the Moscow-Pyongyang strategic partnership has been significantly strengthened since the summit in Pyongyang in June last year.

“If I can do anything for you and the people of Russia, and it is necessary, I take it as a brotherly duty,” he said, without directly referring to the war. This is our shared responsibility, which I am ready to cooperate in every way to fulfill it. ’

Historical multilateral presence

Beijing’s anniversary celebrations marked the first time in Kim’s 14-year rule that a major multilateral event took place. For the first time, Kim, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met at the same venue.

Observers are concerned about whether Kim will hold a bilateral meeting with Xi or a trilateral private meeting with Xi and Putin. However, no party has officially confirmed it so far.