North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he would "unconditionally support" Russia's war against Ukraine, state-run media reported Thursday, in the latest sign of growing military ties between the two countries.

North Korea has become one of Moscow's main allies during its more than three-year Ukraine offensive, sending thousands of troops and container-loads of weapons to help the Kremlin oust Ukrainian forces from Russia's Kursk border region.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated his pledge to unconditionally support Russian President Vladimir Putin, state media said, as the sanctions-defying alliance between the two countries raises security concerns in the region.