Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has met Russia's visiting defense minister, Andrei Belousov, and vowed continued support for Moscow's military efforts against Ukraine, as reported by Pyongyang's state media on Saturday. The meeting underlines the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia amidst the ongoing conflict. According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim held a "friendly and trustworthy" discussion with Belousov in Pyongyang on Friday. This visit by the Russian defense minister follows North Korea's controversial decision to send thousands of troops to Russia, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. During their meeting, Kim criticized the United States and Western nations for supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, labeling it a "direct" military intervention and an infringement on Russia's right to self-defense. Kim affirmed North Korea's unwavering support for Russia's policies aimed at maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the Korean Cent ral News Agency (KCNA) did not disclose whether the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia was a topic of discussion during the meeting. The alliance between North Korea and Russia is fortified by a defense treaty signed in June, committing both nations to provide military assistance without delay if either comes under attack. This strategic partnership, ratified by North Korea and signed into law by Russian President Vladimir Putin, signifies a deepening military collaboration. While North Korea has not officially confirmed its troop deployment, sources from South Korea and the United States claim that North Korean soldiers have already engaged in combat in Russia's western Kursk region. This development has raised concerns that North Korea may receive advanced military technology from Russia in exchange for its support. Experts speculate that Belousov's visit might involve discussions on North Korea supplying additional weapons or dispatching more troops to aid Russia in its military campaign. The c onflict has intensified recently, with Ukrainian and Russian forces clashing fiercely ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January. Trump has promised to resolve the conflict swiftly, claiming he can end the war "in one day." During his visit, Belousov also engaged in talks with North Korea's defense minister, No Kwang-chol. The KCNA reported that Belousov expressed Russia's intent to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with North Korea amid the complex international situation. Russian media quoted Belousov, emphasizing the expanding cooperation between the two nations, particularly in military domains.