North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia's 81st Victory Day. In the message, Kim reaffirmed Pyongyang's commitment to prioritizing and deepening its alliance-like partnership with Moscow.
North Korean state media reported on May 9 that leader Kim Jong-un sent his “sincerest congratulations” to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kim expressed satisfaction with the “brilliant history of independence, dignity, peace and prosperity” shared by the two countries and pledged to give top priority to their “alliance-like comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Kim added that Pyongyang would “always faithfully fulfill the obligations under the inter-state treaty” between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Russia. The two leaders signed the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June 2024, reviving their Cold War-era military alliance.
Following the treaty, North Korea deployed around 15,000 combat troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine and expanded cooperation on multiple fronts.
