Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during a joint press conference with President Donald Trump at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Trump Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, referring to them as “heroic” in a letter to Kim Jong-un, according to North Korean state media. This commendation comes as both nations deepen their military collaboration, particularly following the escalation of conflict in Ukraine.
In his letter, which coincided with the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule on August 15, 1945, Putin highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations. He remarked, “The bonds of military friendship, goodwill, and mutual aid, which were consolidated in the days of the war long ago, remain solid and reliable even today.” He specifically noted the participation of North Korean soldiers in reclaiming the Kursk region, which had been occupied by Ukrainian forces.
Following Ukraine’s counter-offensive last summer, which had initially disrupted Russian advances, the involvement of more than 12,000 North Korean troops has been significant. Many of these troops are reportedly inexperienced in modern combat, yet their deployment has been credited with assisting Russia in regaining control of the Kursk area.
“The Russian people will keep forever the memories of their bravery and self-sacrifice,” Putin added, according to a report from the Korean Central News Agency. He emphasized that both nations would continue to work together to defend their sovereignty and contribute to the establishment of a “just and multi-polar world order.”
Putin’s letter was released concurrently with a visit from a Russian delegation to Pyongyang, during which they expressed gratitude to Kim for providing “excellent soldiers” to assist in the conflict. Kim recently communicated with Putin through a phone call, where they agreed to enhance cooperation and maintain closer communication between their countries.
Concerns regarding the growing military alliance have been raised by South Korean intelligence, which reported that North Korea could send an additional 30,000 troops to support Russian military operations. Furthermore, estimates suggest that North Korea is supplying nearly half of Russia’s ammunition for its ongoing military campaign.
The strengthening of ties between the two countries was formalized last year when Putin visited North Korea, resulting in a mutual defense pact that has been described as the most significant partnership between the two nations since the Cold War. As both countries navigate the complexities of international relations, their cooperation appears to be solidifying, with implications for the broader geopolitical landscape.
