Kim Jong Un vows to deepen ties with Russia and backs its war against Ukraine

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said he intends to "expand and deepen" cooperation with Russia.

Source: Reuters, citing North Korean state news agency KCNA

Details: In a letter sent in response to Russian leader Vladimir Putin's congratulations on the 78th anniversary of the founding of North Korea, Kim Jong Un said the government in Pyongyang is firmly committed to the expansion and deepening of cooperation with Russia "in a ⁠comprehensive way".

Kim Jong Un also said he is confident that Russia would win its current "sacred war for defending the security interests of the country and international ​justice". As Reuters noted, the phrasing is likely to refer to Russia's war against Ukraine.

He also promised "invariable support" for Putin and the Russian people.

The statements came amid a significant rapprochement between Moscow and Pyongyang. In 2024, North Korea sent troops to take part in combat operations alongside Russian forces in Ukraine and also deepened military cooperation with Russia under a mutual defence treaty.

Background: Kim Jong Un told Putin that ties between the two countries are deepening and expressed hope for a successful future for bilateral relations.

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