North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war was justified, calling it an exercise of sovereign rights in defence of a “brother nation,” state media KCNA reported on Saturday.

The scene is part of a new wave of propaganda that both North Korea and Russia are producing to exalt their partnership, which has deepened as Pyongyang has sent about 15,000 sold

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.