Kim Jong Un has pledged to expand and strengthen comprehensive cooperation with Russia, reaffirming their allied relationship and declaring support for Russia in the Ukraine war.
On 15 September 2026, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to broaden and deepen joint cooperation with Russia in all areas after receiving a congratulatory message from President Vladimir Putin on North Korea’s 78th founding anniversary.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un expressed deep gratitude to Putin and reaffirmed North Korea’s steadfast commitment to expanding and enhancing comprehensive cooperation with Russia. He emphasized the friendship, good neighborliness, mutual assistance, and alliance between the two countries. Although the specific areas of cooperation were not clearly stated, it is expected to refer to increased military and economic collaboration that has strengthened recently.
North Korea and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty during Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. The treaty stipulates that both parties must provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked. North Korea has sent thousands of troops and weapons to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, further solidifying their security ties.
Source: Yonhap