Kim Jong Un Pledges Deeper Russia Cooperation

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to expand cooperation with Russia, reaffirming Pyongyang’s support for Moscow and President Vladimir Putin as ties between the two countries continue to strengthen.

In a message sent Monday, Kim responded to Putin’s congratulations marking North Korea’s 78th founding anniversary, according to state media KCNA on Tuesday. Kim said his government was determined to “expand and deepen” cooperation with Russia across multiple areas.

The North Korean leader said Pyongyang intends to broaden North Korea-Russia cooperation “in a comprehensive way,” citing friendship, mutual assistance and what he described as alliance relations between the two countries.

Kim also expressed confidence that Russia would achieve victory in what he called a “sacred war for defending the security interests of the country and international justice.” His remarks appeared to refer to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

He also pledged his “invariable support” for Putin and the Russian people, underscoring the increasingly close political and military relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang.

North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened ties in recent years. Pyongyang sent troops in 2024 to fight alongside Russian forces in the Ukraine war, while the two countries have expanded military cooperation under a mutual defense pact.

Kim’s latest message comes as North Korea also seeks to maintain close relations with China, another key diplomatic and economic partner.

In a separate response to Chinese President Xi Jinping published by KCNA on Sunday, Kim said Pyongyang would work with Beijing to further develop the countries’ traditional friendship and promote their shared socialist cause.

Both statements followed congratulatory messages from Putin and Xi for North Korea’s founding anniversary on September 9.

The exchanges highlight Kim’s efforts to strengthen North Korea’s relationships with Russia and China while expanding Pyongyang’s diplomatic and strategic cooperation with its two powerful neighbors.