North Korea’s decision to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is part of a “sacred mission” to counter U.S. influence around the world, according to state-run media.

Vladimir Putin officially acknowledged the involvement of North Korean military personnel in Russia's war against Ukraine, according to the press conference at the Kremlin. The head of the Kremlin expressed gratitude to the leaders of 13 countries that sent units of their national armed forces to participate in the parade on Red Square.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the North's deployment of troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine was justified, defending his country's participation in the war as an exercise of its sovereign rights.