Pyongyang: In a strong display of allegiance, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reiterated his unwavering support for Russia, declaring that Pyongyang will “always stand with Moscow.” The message was conveyed in a congratulatory note to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia Day, according to a report released Thursday by North Korea’s state-run media, KCNA.
Addressing President Putin as his “most beloved comrade,” Kim praised the close bilateral ties between the two nations, describing the relationship as a “true bond between comrades.” Kim also reaffirmed his administration’s firm resolve to deepen and advance the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)–Russia partnership.
“The government of the DPRK and I personally are determined to promote DPRK–Russia relations to a higher level,” Kim was quoted as saying. Russia Day, celebrated annually on June 12, commemorates the declaration of sovereignty by the Russian Federation.
KCNA also confirmed that Kim sent a formal message of congratulations to President Putin on Wednesday, emphasizing friendship and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Earlier this year, Pyongyang acknowledged for the first time that North Korean troops were deployed to assist Russian forces in Ukraine. According to international reports, this move followed months of silence on North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.
Kim Jong Un has been a consistent supporter of Putin and his administration. In a past meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu in Pyongyang, Kim had pledged North Korea’s “unconditional support” for Russia’s foreign policy initiatives, particularly in international political affairs.
The deepening of the strategic alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang comes amid rising global concern. A Bloomberg report, citing findings from a coalition of 11 nations—including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Japan—revealed that North Korea supplied Russia with at least 100 ballistic missiles in 2024. These were reportedly used to target civilian infrastructure in Ukrainian cities like Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia.
The same report also noted the deployment of over 11,000 North Korean troops to eastern Russia by late 2024. These forces were later relocated to the western Kursk Oblast region, where they participated in military operations alongside Russian forces against Ukraine.
As tensions rise and alliances solidify, North Korea’s overt military and diplomatic backing of Russia signals a new phase in global geopolitical dynamics, with implications for international security and diplomacy.
