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.

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.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of short-range ballistic missiles and long-range artillery in a demonstration of Pyongyang's nuclear counterstrike capabilities, state-run media said Friday.