North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has offered his country’s “full and unconditional support” for Russia’s war in Ukraine, which he called a “sacred fight” against imperialism and the west, in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

The leaders met at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia’s most advanced space rocket launch site located in the country’s far east, with their countries facing international isolation and sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes.

“Russia has risen to a sacred fight to protect its sovereignty and security?.?.?.?against the hegemonic forces,” Kim told Putin via a translator. “We will always support the decisions of President Putin and the Russian leadership?.?.?.?and we will be together in the fight against imperialism.”