Pyongyang/Seoul, January 9, 2026 – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Russian President Vladimir Putin, pledging to "unconditionally respect and unconditionally support" all of Putin's policies and decisions in a letter published by state media on Friday, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow amid ongoing global tensions.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim sent the reply letter on Thursday, January 8, 2026 – a date widely believed to coincide with his birthday – in response to a congratulatory message from Putin. In the letter, Kim described his relationship with Putin as one of "true comradely relations" and emphasized that ties between North Korea and Russia are "the most precious ones" and a source of pride.
"I will unconditionally respect and unconditionally support all your policies and decisions and I have a willingness to be always with you for the sake of you and your Russia," Kim wrote, according to KCNA. He added: "This choice will be constant and permanent."
The message also highlighted Kim's intent to continue close cooperation across various sectors in line with the "comprehensive strategic partnership" established between the two nations. Kim further noted that he felt the "true comradely relations" reinforced through the exchange, underscoring the personal and ideological bond between the leaders.
The letter comes amid reports of North Korea's substantial military support for Russia's war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western intelligence agencies have estimated that Pyongyang deployed around 14,000–15,000 troops to assist Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk region, starting in late 2024 and continuing into 2025. Reports indicate heavy casualties, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to over 6,000 North Korean soldiers killed or wounded. In early January 2026, state media showed Kim and his daughter Ju Ae visiting a new memorial cemetery and museum in Pyongyang dedicated to troops who died in "overseas operations," described as a "sacred" effort in support of Russia.
Pyongyang has also supplied Russia with large quantities of artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems, helping Moscow sustain its military operations despite Western sanctions. In exchange, analysts believe Russia has provided North Korea with financial aid, advanced military technology (including potential assistance in missile and satellite programs), food supplies, and energy resources, bolstering Pyongyang's economy and military capabilities.
The strengthened alliance follows the June 2024 signing of a mutual defense treaty during Putin's visit to Pyongyang – the first by a Russian leader in 24 years – which includes provisions for mutual assistance if either country faces armed aggression. This pact has raised concerns in the West about potential technology transfers that could advance North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
The letter exchange builds on New Year's greetings reported by KCNA, where Kim referenced the two countries sharing "blood, life and death" in the Ukraine conflict, while Putin praised the "invincible friendship" between the nations. The messages reflect a deepening ideological and strategic alignment, with both leaders facing international isolation and sanctions.
Analysts view Kim's pledge as a signal of long-term loyalty, potentially aimed at securing continued Russian backing amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States and South Korea. The commitment also comes at a time when North Korea has accelerated missile testing in recent years, focusing on improving precision, range, and survivability – capabilities that could benefit both domestic deterrence and exports to allies like Russia.
The development has drawn attention from South Korea, Japan, and the United States, with concerns over the implications for regional stability on the Korean Peninsula and the broader Indo-Pacific. Seoul's National Intelligence Service has monitored the troop deployments closely, while Western officials have condemned the cooperation as prolonging the Ukraine war and violating UN sanctions.
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its fourth year, the Pyongyang-Moscow axis appears more entrenched than ever, with Kim's latest pledge reinforcing North Korea's role as a key partner in Russia's geopolitical strategy.
