North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has defended his country’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it a legitimate exercise of national sovereignty in support of a “brother nation,” according to Reuters.

“Our participation in the conflict was just and within our sovereign rights,” Kim said. He praised North Korean troops involved in the Kursk operation, calling them heroes and symbols of national honor.

Kim also warned that Pyongyang would not hesitate to employ armed force if the US continued its military provocations against Russia, Reuters reported.

North Korea publicly stated in April that it had sent over 10,000 troops and weapons to reinforce Russia, following a strategic partnership treaty signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin last year.