Moscow: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his confidence in Russia’s victory in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, describing it as a “holy war” for peace and justice. In a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim stated, “The strong Russian people, under the energetic leadership of Comrade Putin, will firmly defend the country’s sovereign rights and security interests and will surely win the holy war to achieve peace in the region and international justice.”
Kim Jong-un’s comments were relayed in a telegram to Putin on the occasion of Korea’s liberation anniversary, as reported by TASS.
Kim highlighted the close ties between the armies and people of North Korea and Russia, forged during their shared struggles against common enemies. He emphasized this relationship as a “brotherhood” and a “strong driving force” that continues to strengthen the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two nations, which have now evolved into a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
The North Korean leader’s message came as intense fighting raged on between Ukrainian Armed Forces and Russian troops in the Kursk region. In the span of one week, Ukrainian forces reportedly captured more than 70 settlements and gained control of over 1,000 square kilometers of territory.
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Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, North Korea has increasingly aligned itself with Moscow, openly supporting Russia’s military efforts. Reports indicate that between August 2023 and January 2024, Russia received approximately 1.6 million artillery shells from North Korea, according to the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS).
South Korean intelligence suggests that Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with nearly 5 million artillery shells, in addition to ballistic missiles. In return, Russia has provided North Korea with tanks, aircraft, and technology to support a spy satellite program, according to South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, as reported by The Moscow Times.
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During Putin’s visit to North Korea in June of this year, the two countries signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. This new agreement, which replaces the 2001 treaty, includes provisions for mutual assistance in the event that either nation is attacked. Putin hailed the treaty as a “breakthrough document” that signifies both nations’ commitment to elevating their relationship to a “new level.”
