Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a New Year's message to North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, praising the relationship between the two countries as an "unbeatable friendship."
North Korean state media reported on Thursday, 25 December, that the letter was delivered to Pyongyang last week. Putin praised the participation of North Korean troops in supporting Russia's military operations, describing it as evidence of the "brotherhood of warriors" between the two nations and again lauding their relationship as an "unbeatable friendship."
KCNA cited Putin's letter stating, "The brave entry of the Korean People's Army soldiers into the battlefield to liberate the Kursk region from occupiers, as well as the mission of Korean engineers on Russian soil, clearly prove the unbeatable friendship."
South Korean and Western intelligence reports estimate that North Korea sent over 10,000 troops to Russia in 2024, mostly stationed in the Kursk region, along with a large amount of military equipment including artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.
Putin also noted that the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed during his visit to North Korea last June has been concretely implemented through cooperation by both sides.
The agreement includes mutual defense provisions, stating that both countries will provide immediate military assistance if either faces armed aggression.
The Russian leader emphasized that the strong ties between Moscow and Pyongyang will help promote the establishment of a just world order within a multipolar global system.
South Korean intelligence estimates that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers sent to support Russia have died. North Korea officially acknowledged in April that it had sent troops to back Russia in the war against Ukraine and admitted to casualties in combat.
Since then, Kim Jong Un has met with families of deceased soldiers and expressed condolences for their loss.
State media also released images of Kim Jong Un embracing soldiers returning from the frontlines, showing emotional scenes with soldiers resting their heads on the leader’s chest, reflecting efforts to portray a compassionate leader amid international criticism.
Following last year's military agreement between Russia and North Korea, South Korea under conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol indicated it might reconsider its policy of not supplying arms to Ukraine. However, no practical steps have been taken so far.
Analysts view Putin's New Year's message not only as a flattering gesture to Kim Jong Un but also as a strategic signal to the United States and its allies that Moscow and Pyongyang are prepared to advance their military cooperation more openly in the new year.
Source:channelnewsasia
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