Putin Commends North Korean Forces as ‘Heroic’ Allies in Letter to Kim

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised North Korean troops deployed to Ukraine as «heroic» in a letter addressed to Kim Jong Un, according to North Korean state media reports from Friday.

In a correspondence commemorating the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese control, Putin reflected on the historical collaboration between the Soviet Red Army and North Korean forces that helped bring an end to Japanese colonial rule.

“The enduring bonds of military camaraderie, goodwill, and mutual support established during wartime remain strong and dependable even today,” Putin expressed in the letter disclosed by North Korean media.

“This was exemplified by the valiant involvement of DPRK soldiers in liberating the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces,” he noted, as per the KCNA news agency.

“The Russian people will always remember their courage and dedication,” he added.

Putin emphasized that the two nations will persist in «working together to effectively safeguard their sovereignty and significantly contribute to the establishment of a fair and multipolar world order.»

The letter coincided with a visit from a Russian delegation to Pyongyang, where State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin expressed gratitude to Kim for sending “remarkable soldiers” to support the efforts in Ukraine, as reported by KCNA.

Kim stated that the delegation’s visit would foster “a new phase of development in DPRK-Russia relations.”

He also mentioned having a phone conversation with Putin on Wednesday, during which they agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation and facilitate “closer interaction and communication between the two nations.”

Russia and North Korea have been increasingly strengthening their ties, having formalized a mutual defense agreement last year during Putin’s visit to the isolated nation.

In April, North Korea confirmed for the first time the deployment of its troops to the frontline in Ukraine, working alongside Russian forces.

According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, North Korea dispatched over 10,000 soldiers to Russia’s Kursk region in 2024, along with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.

Seoul reported that approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives and thousands more have been injured in combat for Russia.