Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia and North Korea plan to continue working closely on security, political and international issues, describing ties between the two countries as being at an unusually high level. His message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was released as the two countries marked Korea’s Liberation Day.
Putin congratulated Kim on the holiday, which marks the end of Japanese colonial rule on the Korean Peninsula. He pointed to the role of Soviet soldiers and Korean fighters during World War II and said their cooperation helped create the basis for relations between Moscow and Pyongyang today. The holiday is also observed in South Korea.
In his message, Putin said Russia and North Korea are cooperating across many areas and coordinating their efforts on regional security and stability. He also said he expected the two governments to continue working together on bilateral and international issues, including what he called the creation of a more just and democratic world order.
Relations between Russia and North Korea have grown closer over the past two years. The two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June 2024, strengthening political, military and economic ties. The agreement includes a mutual assistance clause, and both governments have continued to publicly describe the relationship as expanding.
The closer relationship has drawn attention because of North Korea’s reported involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russia is using North Korean missiles and has accused Pyongyang of supplying Moscow with missiles and ammunition. He has also said Russia plans to host between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean troops on its territory.
There have also been reports that a North Korean missile unit has begun deploying in western Russia. The unit could reportedly include as many as 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers, which may be used to support attacks against Ukraine. That has made North Korea’s relationship with Russia a wider security issue, rather than something focused only on East Asia and its nuclear program.
Kim marked Liberation Day by visiting the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang, a monument dedicated to Soviet soldiers who fought against Japan during World War II. A wreath placed there in Kim’s name honored the Soviet soldiers who died in the fighting. Kim said the wartime relationship between the two countries had become part of the foundation for their current cooperation.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also sent greetings to Kim for the anniversary. The public messages came as Moscow and Pyongyang continue to emphasize their military and political partnership, even as Ukraine, South Korea and Western governments raise concerns about North Korean support for Russia.
Putin said he believes future cooperation will continue to benefit both countries and help them address international issues together. For now, the relationship is still moving in that direction, with military ties, diplomatic messages and the 2024 partnership agreement all playing a role in how Moscow and Pyongyang describe their growing connection.
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