North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed Pyongyang’s “invariable” support for Russia as Moscow continues its war against Ukraine, describing Russia’s military campaign as a “sacred war of justice” to defend the country’s sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity.
Kim made the remarks in a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, carried by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Wednesday.
In the message, Kim said he remained firmly convinced that the Russian people would ultimately achieve victory in the conflict.
“I reaffirm my invariable support for you and the Russian Federation, being firmly convinced that the Russian people’s sacred war of justice for defending the sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity of the country will surely end with their victory,” Kim said.
The North Korean leader also praised what he described as Russia’s strengthened international standing under Putin’s leadership, saying the country had “firmly consolidated its dignity and position as a big power” over the past two decades.
Kim said he was pleased with the development of his personal relationship with Putin and expressed his desire to deepen bilateral ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.
“I am pleased to have good friendship with you and open up a new chapter for the development of the relations between our two countries,” he said.
He further described the strengthening of relations with Russia as a central element of North Korea’s foreign policy.
According to Kim, it is the “steadfast” policy of Pyongyang and his “unshakable option” to place importance on the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance with Russia while steadily expanding bilateral cooperation.
The renewed expression of support underscores the significant strengthening of relations between North Korea and Russia in recent years, particularly since the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June 2024.
The agreement marked a major step in the development of their bilateral relationship and included a mutual defence provision. Under the pact, either country is required to provide military assistance to the other if it comes under armed attack.
The deepening relationship has also involved increased military cooperation.
In August 2025, North Korea reportedly deployed around 1,000 military engineers to Russia’s Kursk region, where they assisted Russian forces with clearing land mines left behind by fighting involving Russian and Ukrainian troops.
The deployment came after North Korea had already sent thousands of combat personnel to support Russia’s war effort.
South Korea’s intelligence agency has estimated that North Korea deployed approximately 15,000 combat troops to Russia. The agency has also claimed that about 2,000 North Korean soldiers were killed during the conflict.
Pyongyang’s military involvement has intensified international attention over the growing security partnership between North Korea and Russia. The cooperation has raised concerns in South Korea and among Western governments about the exchange of military capabilities, personnel and other forms of support between the two countries.
For North Korea, closer ties with Moscow provide an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and strategic cooperation with a major global power. For Russia, the relationship has provided an additional source of military and other support as the war in Ukraine continues.
Kim’s latest message indicates that Pyongyang intends to maintain its close alignment with Moscow rather than distance itself from Russia’s war effort.
His description of the conflict in terms of Russia defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity also reflects the North Korean government’s consistent public framing of Moscow’s actions.
The statement comes as the partnership between the two countries continues to evolve beyond traditional diplomatic relations, with defence cooperation becoming an increasingly prominent component of their bilateral ties.
Kim’s pledge to “steadily expand and develop” joint work with Russia suggests that Pyongyang intends to continue strengthening the strategic partnership in the period ahead.
