North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged his “unconditional support” for all policies and decisions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a deepening alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In a letter released on Friday by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim described his relationship with Putin as one built on “true comradely relations,” calling ties between the two countries “the most precious.”
“I will unconditionally respect and unconditionally support all your policies and decisions,” Kim wrote, adding that his commitment to Russia was “constant and permanent.” He also pledged continued “close cooperation” between both countries across various sectors.
The message was sent in response to a letter from President Putin, though Russian state media did not disclose its contents.
The exchange follows growing military cooperation between the two nations. According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to support Russia as it continues its nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. Pyongyang has also supplied Moscow with artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems.
Kim and Putin had earlier exchanged New Year messages, during which the North Korean leader claimed both countries had shared “blood, life and death” in the Ukraine conflict. Putin, in return, praised what he described as an “invincible friendship” between Russia and North Korea.
Analysts say Pyongyang has intensified missile testing in recent years to enhance its precision strike capabilities, challenge the United States and South Korea, and field-test weapons believed to be destined for export to Russia.
In exchange for military support, Russia is reportedly providing North Korea with financial assistance, military technology, as well as food and energy supplies, further cementing a partnership that has raised concern among Western and regional powers.
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