North Korea’s Kim Tells Putin He Is ‘Proud’ of Their Countries’ Strong Ties

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he was “proud” of the strong relationship between their countries, according to North Korean state media.

The statement came after North Korea provided military support to Russia during its war against Ukraine.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has become a key ally of Moscow. Analysts say Pyongyang has sent troops to support Russia’s war effort in exchange for economic benefits and military technology.

In a letter to Putin, Kim said he was proud to work with the Russian leader to strengthen relations between North Korea and Russia, which he described as having a shared history of struggle.

Kim also said he firmly believed Russia would prosper and protect its territorial integrity under Putin’s leadership.

Putin had earlier sent a letter to Kim marking Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule at the end of World War II.

In his letter, Putin said relations between Russia and North Korea had reached an “unprecedentedly high level of comprehensive strategic partnership.”

He said the two countries were actively cooperating across various sectors while working together to promote regional security and stability.

The exchange of letters follows Ukraine’s accusation that Russia used North Korean ballistic missiles in a strike earlier this month that killed at least nine people and wounded dozens.

Ukraine has also claimed that as many as 50,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to Russia, although Kyiv has not provided evidence or specified a timeframe for such a deployment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked South Korea to provide air defence systems to help protect Ukraine from Russian missile attacks. The request has so far received no response from Seoul.