North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed the increasingly close relationship with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation, marking the end of Japanese colonial rule on 15 August.
Kim's message was in response to Putin's congratulatory note, which stated that the ties between Russia and North Korea are rooted in the joint struggle of Soviet soldiers against Japan during World War II, and affirmed that both countries will advance cooperation across all sectors.
Kim expressed pride in working with Putin to lead the relationship between North Korea and Russia toward a better future, expressing confidence that Russia will safeguard its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity under Putin's leadership.
Putin stated in his message that the relationship between the two countries has developed to an "unprecedented level" as comprehensive strategic partners, emphasizing that Russia and North Korea are collaborating in all sectors to promote regional security and stability.
Relations between North Korea and Russia have grown significantly closer since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in 2024. North Korea has sent troops and weapons to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, marking its largest involvement in a conflict since the Korean War in the 1950s. Analysts note that North Korea has received economic benefits and military technology in return.
Meanwhile, the Russian ship 'Pallada' arrived in Wonsan, North Korea, on Saturday (15 Aug) for a goodwill visit commemorating the liberation anniversary, where local North Korean officials and Russian embassy staff welcomed it.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called on North Korea to return to negotiations to establish peaceful coexistence. Speaking at South Korea’s Liberation Day ceremony, he said both sides should have conflict prevention mechanisms and move from the armistice toward an official peace regime.
Lee proposed negotiations to formally end the Korean War (1950–1953), which concluded with an armistice but no peace treaty. He indicated that talks might also cover ways to control North Korea’s nuclear program. However, Pyongyang continues to reject Lee’s proposals and consistently criticizes joint US-South Korea military drills, viewing them as provocations.
Earlier, Kim visited a memorial honoring Soviet soldiers who fought Japan during World War II, marking his third visit to the site on Korea’s Liberation Day.
Meanwhile, Ukraine accused Russia of using North Korean missiles in attacks that caused at least nine deaths and dozens of injuries. Ukraine also alleged that North Korea may have sent up to 50,000 troops to Russia, though there is no clear evidence or timeline supporting this claim.
In Japan, Putin recently angered the government by visiting the Kuril Islands off Hokkaido, which Japan claims but Russia took control of shortly after Japan’s surrender in World War II in 1945.