North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un expressed a strong commitment to the alliance between North Korea and Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin ahead of the New Year. In a statement released by the state-run news agency KCNA, Kim emphasized that the two nations share a bond characterized by “blood, life, and death.” He praised the recent consolidation of their relationship, framing it as a deep and enduring alliance.
In the message, Kim described 2025 as a “really meaningful year” for the bilateral relationship. He referred to the ties between North Korea and Russia as a “precious common asset to be carried forward forever, not only in the present era but also by posterity generation after generation.” Kim asserted that “no one can break the relations between the people of the two countries and their unity.”
This letter comes on the heels of a previous communication from Putin, who lauded North Korea’s support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He described North Korea’s contributions as “heroic,” contributing to what he termed an “invincible friendship” between the two countries.
Recent military engagements between the two nations reveal a growing collaboration. Reports indicate that North Korea has dispatched approximately 12,000 soldiers to assist Russian forces in the Kursk region. Additionally, Kim’s administration pledged to send another 30,000 troops in July. According to various sources, including The New York Post, over 6,000 North Korean troops have lost their lives in the conflict in Ukraine.
Celebrating Military Contributions
Kim’s friendly correspondence coincides with a ceremony held to welcome home soldiers who had been deployed to Russia’s military operations. During this event, which took place in one of Pyongyang’s main plazas, he honored the memory of nine soldiers who were killed during the conflict, acknowledging their sacrifice as part of a “sacred mission.”
“You could work a miracle of turning a vast area of danger zone into a safe zone and secure one in a matter of less than three months,” Kim remarked to the returning members of the 528th Regiment of Engineers. He expressed gratitude for their efforts while also highlighting the tragic loss of lives.
In addition to troop deployments, it is believed that Russia has received artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems from North Korea. In exchange, Russia has reportedly offered financial assistance, military technology, and essential supplies, including food and energy, to Pyongyang.
International Context and Future Implications
The exchange of messages between these two leaders comes as global tensions remain high, particularly with the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky set for December 2023. During their discussions, Zelensky is expected to address security and economic agreements while also raising territorial concerns related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly in the Donbas region.
Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s determination to pursue a resolution, stating, “Ukraine is willing to do whatever it takes to stop this war.” He emphasized the importance of strength at the negotiating table, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by the situation with Russia.
As the New Year approaches, the relationship between North Korea and Russia appears to be solidifying, with both countries leveraging their alliances amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
