North Korean state media reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Im Chon-il expressed support for any decision taken by Russian leadership to address the recent rebellion in the country during a meeting with the Russian ambassador on Sunday. The Korean Central News Agency stated that Im expressed his "firm belief in the success of suppressing the rebellion, in line with the aspirations and will of the Russian people." The agency also quoted the Deputy Foreign Minister as stating that he believes the Russian army "will emerge victorious from the situations and hardships, as it achieves a heroic victory in its special military operation in Ukraine."
On Saturday, the Wagner Group halted its advance towards the Russian capital of Moscow, despite having covered most of the distance, which led to a de-escalation of a significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin's grip on power. The group's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, stated that this step would "prevent bloodshed in the country." North Korea has sought to strengthen its ties with the Kremlin and supported Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine last year, blaming the United States and the West for a "policy of hegemony."
