Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un pose for a photo during a signing ceremony of the new partnership in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19, 2024.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke over the phone on Tuesday.
The discussion focused on deepening their alliance and supporting each other in the Ukraine war.
The call came just days before Putin’s planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska.
Putin Praises North Korean Troops in Ukraine War
According to North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Putin expressed strong admiration for North Korean forces.
He commended their “bravery, heroism and self-sacrificing spirit” in defending Russia’s Kursk border region.
North Korean troops have reportedly fought alongside Russian soldiers to repel a Ukrainian incursion.
Upcoming Putin–Trump Talks Mentioned
Russia’s TASS news agency reported that Putin informed Kim about his upcoming talks with Donald Trump.
The meeting is scheduled for Friday in Alaska.
However, KCNA made no mention of this in its report.
Kim Pledges Full Support to Russia
Kim Jong Un assured Putin of Pyongyang’s unwavering backing.
He promised full support for “all measures” taken by Russian leadership in the future.
The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in “all fields” under their strategic partnership deal.
This agreement was signed during their summit last year.
North Korea’s Growing Focus on Moscow
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Kim has prioritized building ties with Moscow.
The aim is to break diplomatic isolation and align with nations opposing Washington.
North Korea has ignored U.S. and South Korean calls to resume talks on its nuclear program.
These talks collapsed in 2019 after a failed summit between Kim and Trump.
Military and Strategic Support from Pyongyang
South Korean intelligence estimates that North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia since last autumn.
Pyongyang has also supplied large amounts of artillery and ballistic missiles to aid Moscow’s war efforts.
This move underscores the strengthening military cooperation between the two nations.
Plans for More Deployments to Russia
Reports suggest North Korea will send thousands of military construction workers to Russia’s Kursk region.
These workers could also take on demining operations.
South Korean intelligence believes this deployment may happen soon.
A Partnership Targeting Washington’s Influence
Both leaders view their alliance as a counterweight to U.S. influence.
Their cooperation extends beyond military aid, covering political and strategic areas.
By aligning more closely, Pyongyang and Moscow signal a shared resistance to Western pressure.
North Korea and Russia’s alliance over the Ukraine conflict continues to deepen.
Military cooperation, shared political goals, and strategic coordination suggest this partnership is built to last.
As Putin prepares for talks with Trump, his conversation with Kim highlights a united front against common adversaries.
