Putin Celebrates Strong Ties with North Korea Amid Military Support

Post by : Mina Rahman

In a recent New Year’s letter addressed to Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed the “invincible friendship” linking Russia and North Korea. The correspondence, reportedly sent to Pyongyang last week, underscores the military collaboration flourishing between the two nations, particularly noting the significant participation of North Korean troops aiding Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine.

Putin characterized the integration of North Korean soldiers as a robust illustration of the strong militaristic camaraderie uniting Moscow and Pyongyang. Intelligence reports from South Korean and Western sources indicate that North Korea has dispatched over 10,000 troops to Russia in 2024, primarily stationed in the pivotal Kursk region near the Ukrainian frontier. Moreover, North Korea has contributed substantial military resources to Russia, including artillery, rockets, and missile systems essential to the military efforts.

Within his message, Putin acknowledged the valour and efforts of the North Korean forces, stating that “the courageous deployment of Korean People’s Army soldiers in battles to secure the Kursk region from invaders, as well as the subsequent work of Korean engineers on Russian land, unmistakably showcases our indomitable friendship.” He further remarked that the aims of a historic strategic partnership treaty, signed during his 2024 visit to Pyongyang, are being realized through their combined endeavors.

This treaty, which deepens the Moscow-Pyongyang relationship, comprises a mutual defense agreement, ensuring that either nation will provide military support should the other face aggression, reinforcing their military alliance. Putin proclaimed that the substantial cooperation between the two countries is instrumental in achieving a fair and multipolar global order, positioning them as significant adversaries to Western geopolitical power.

Reports from South Korean intelligence estimate that around 2,000 North Korean troops deployed in the conflict zone have perished. North Korea acknowledged the troop deployment for the first time in April 2024, admitting casualties among its soldiers. Since then, Kim Jong Un has personally met with the families of the deceased, offering condolences and sharing in their grief over this “unbearable pain.”

North Korean state media has shared poignant images of Kim embracing a soldier returning from the frontlines, showcasing the profound human cost of the ongoing conflict for Pyongyang.

Following the military treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang, South Korea’s right-wing government under President Yoon Suk Yeol signaled a potential reassessment of its long-standing arms embargo against Ukraine. However, no definitive measures have been implemented to provide military support to Kyiv.

The growing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea indicates a pivotal transformation in the global power landscape amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. This development accentuates the deepening strategic alignment of two nations opposed to Western influence, raising pressing concerns about future international security and diplomatic relations.