Russia, N Korea fight for ‘new world order’

SEOUL, Aug 19: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his North Korean counterpart that their countries were working to establish a “new and righteous world order”, after Pyongyang helped Moscow to drive Ukrainian forces from a Russian region last year. 

In a message to North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, Lavrov also reaffirmed Moscow’s pledge to boost cooperation in all areas and contribute to regional and international security, North Korea’s KCNA news agency said yesterday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent an estimated 14,000 soldiers to Russia in late 2024 to help Moscow beat back a major Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared victory in May 2025 and publicly thanked Pyongyang for its help.

Russia warned Britain on Monday it would pay a ‘price’ for its support for Ukraine, including the reported supply of drones used in strikes. �"REUTERS