The South Korean military suspects that North Korea might have received technological or financial support from Russia in building the newly launched destroyer Choe Hyon. Analysts quoted by Newsweek believe it was part of the compensation that Pyongyang provides to Moscow regarding the war in Ukraine.

The two countries have vowed to expand bilateral relations after North Korea sent troops and weapons in support of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

They who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honor of the motherland,” Kim Jong Un said.