Key facts
- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledged unwavering support for Russia.
- Kim's message suggested the relationship is evolving into a military alliance.
- The deepening ties are attributed to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed in June 2024.
- The message was sent on Russia Day, June 12.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a message of reassurance to Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a deepening relationship between the two nations. Observers view this as a form of strategic hedging, particularly following Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Pyongyang. Kim's message, sent on Russia Day, June 12, pledged "unwavering support" for Moscow's policies and stated that North Korea would "always stand together with the Russian Federation."
According to the state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim described the relationship as being "further strengthened into sincere and devoted relations of comradely trust and alliance, opening a new chapter of history." He attributed this strengthening to both sides honoring their obligations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which was signed during their summit in Pyongyang in June 2024. The evolving ties suggest a move beyond a purely transactional relationship towards a firm military alliance, even as North Korea seeks to maintain its traditional relationship with China.