North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is “proud” of the strong relationship between North Korea and Russia, according to North Korean state media. Kim praised the growing partnership between the two countries after Pyongyang provided military support to Moscow during its war against Ukraine.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has become an increasingly important partner of the Kremlin. Analysts say Pyongyang has provided troops and military support to Russia in exchange for economic benefits and military technology, deepening cooperation between the two countries.
In a letter to Putin, Kim said he was proud to work alongside the Russian president to strengthen bilateral relations and expressed confidence in the future of the partnership. According to an English-language report by the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim said he expected the relationship between North Korea and Russia to develop further based on what he described as their shared history of struggle.
Kim also expressed confidence in Russia’s future under Putin’s leadership. He said he had a “firm belief” that Russia would prosper and protect its territorial integrity under Putin’s “wise leadership.”
The message came after Putin sent a letter to Kim marking Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule at the end of World War II. In his message, Putin said relations between Russia and North Korea had reached an “unprecedentedly high level of comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Putin said the two countries were actively cooperating across various sectors and working together to promote regional security and stability. His remarks highlighted the increasingly close political and strategic relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The strengthening of North Korea-Russia relations has attracted international attention since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Western governments and analysts have closely monitored growing military cooperation between the two countries, particularly reports concerning North Korean troops and military supplies supporting Russia’s war effort.
For North Korea, closer ties with Russia could provide economic, diplomatic and military advantages. For Moscow, support from Pyongyang provides additional military resources as the war in Ukraine continues. The relationship has consequently become an important part of the broader geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict.
Kim’s latest message to Putin demonstrates the continued commitment of both countries to strengthening their strategic partnership. As Moscow and Pyongyang expand cooperation in security and other areas, their growing relationship is likely to remain an important issue in regional and international politics.
