“IN CASE ENEMIES APPEAR”: Lukashenko Gifts Kim Jong Un Belarusian Assault Rifle
PYONGYANG — In a symbolic display of “anti-Western” solidarity, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a locally manufactured VSK assault rifle on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The exchange occurred during Lukashenko’s first-ever official visit to North Korea, a two-day trip aimed at cementing a new “friendship and cooperation” treaty between the two isolated Russian allies.
As he handed over the weapon, Lukashenko reportedly remarked that “firearms will always be necessary for a soldier,” adding with a smile that it was for use “just in case enemies appear.”
The “Gifts of State” Exchange
The rifle was part of a larger exchange of diplomatic gifts that blended traditional culture with modern military posturing.
- From Belarus: In addition to the VSK rifle and ammunition, Lukashenko gifted Kim several quintessential Belarusian items, including “President” chocolate, traditional black bread, and a Slutsk belt—a historic Belarusian artifact of nobility. Kim’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, received a jeweled bouquet of cornflowers.
- From North Korea: Kim Jong Un reciprocated with a ceremonial sabre, a large ornate vase decorated with seashells, and a commemorative gold coin minted specifically to mark the visit.
- The “Sniper” Connection: Kim appeared highly engaged with the rifle, reportedly examining its features and testing the action. Lukashenko noted, “That’s right! Kim Jong Un owns the weapon.”
A “Fundamentally New Phase” of Alliance
The gift-giving was the preamble to the signing of a major Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Both leaders emphasized that their nations are being “pushed into each other’s arms” by Western sanctions and global instability.
| Agreement Detail | Impact / Context |
| Friendship Treaty | Upgrades bilateral relations to a “fundamentally new phase” of strategic partnership. |
| Military Support | Both nations are key suppliers/enablers for Russia; approx. 2,000 North Korean soldiers are estimated to have died in the Ukraine conflict to date. |
| Economic Projects | Plans to cooperate in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers to bypass international isolation. |
The Geopolitical Backdrop: “Multipolar Solidarity”
The visit comes at a moment of extreme global tension, with the U.S.-Israel war on Iran entering its 27th day.
- Challenging the West: Lukashenko stated that “major powers openly ignore and violate international law,” making it necessary for independent countries to consolidate their efforts.
- The “Board of Peace”: The visit also highlights the shifting diplomatic landscape under the Trump administration. While Trump has sought to include Belarus in a “Board of Peace” to settle the Ukraine conflict, he remains at odds with the North Korean regime over its continued nuclear advancement.
- Tribute to the Past: Earlier in the day, both leaders laid wreaths at the Liberation Monument in Pyongyang, honoring Soviet soldiers—a reminder of the shared history that underpins their current military ties with Moscow.
What’s Next?
As Lukashenko concludes his visit, the focus shifts to whether this “friendship” will translate into tangible hardware transfers. With Russia seeking to replenish its own drone and missile stocks, the burgeoning Minsk-Pyongyang axis may become a critical secondary supply line for the Kremlin.