Kim Jong Un vows to deepen cooperation with Russia, backs its war effort
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Vladimir Putin in a letter that he is confident of Russia's victory and pledged unwavering support for Moscow. The statement comes amid deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said he intends to further expand and deepen cooperation with Russia, Reuters reported, citing North Korea's state news agency KCNA.
The statement was made in a letter Kim sent in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's congratulations on the 78th anniversary of North Korea's founding. According to KCNA, Pyongyang's government has a firm resolve to "comprehensively" expand and deepen cooperation with Russia.
Confidence in a Russian victory
In the letter, the North Korean leader expressed confidence that Russia will win what he called the "sacred war for defending the country's security interests and international justice." Reuters notes this phrasing likely refers to Russia's war against Ukraine. Kim also pledged "unwavering support" to Putin and the Russian people.
Deepening military ties
The statements come amid significant rapprochement between Moscow and Pyongyang. In 2024, North Korea sent troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine and has since deepened military cooperation with Russia under a mutual defense treaty.
Earlier, Kim had already told Putin that ties between the two countries were deepening and expressed hope for a successful future in bilateral relations.
