North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a message of deep condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the sudden death of Russia's ambassador to Pyongyang, Aleksandr Matsegora. The envoy, who served for a decade, was lauded for his lifelong dedication to DPRK-Russia relations. North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui also conveyed separate sympathies.
North Korea's state media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported on December 9, 2025, that leader Kim Jong-un sent a condolence message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 8 regarding the death of Aleksandr Ivanovich Matsegora, Russia's extraordinary ambassador to the DPRK, on December 6. Matsegora died at age 70, with no cause disclosed. In the message, Kim expressed "deep condolences" to Putin, the Russian leadership, and Matsegora's family over his "sudden demise." He described Matsegora as "a close friend and comrade of the DPRK people who devoted his whole life to the development of the DPRK-Russia friendly relations for over 30 years."
Kim noted that the bilateral ties, now a "firm alliance," were clearly linked to Matsegora's "devoted efforts." He called the ambassador's death at this time, when DPRK-Russia relations have entered a "crucial historic phase," a "heartrending event and a great loss," adding that "his noble life ... will shine forever and will be always remembered by the peoples of the two countries."
Matsegora began as a staff member at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang in 1999 and served as ambassador for 10 years since 2015. He recently played a key role as Pyongyang and Moscow aligned closely after North Korea deployed troops to support Russia in the Ukraine war. North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui sent a separate message to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, stating Matsegora "made a distinguished contribution" to the bilateral friendship and cooperation. Choe said, "The name of Comrade Ambassador Matsegora who was a witness and contributor to the history of the DPRK-Russia friendly relations will be remembered forever," and expressed hope that his family would soon recover peace. This event underscores the deepening diplomatic bonds between the two nations.
