Vladimir Putin engaged in a phone conversation with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to elaborate on their growing alliance and military cooperation concerning the conflict in Ukraine. The discussion occurred as preparations intensify for Putin’s upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska.
During the call, Putin commended the “bravery, heroism, and self-sacrificing spirit” of North Korean troops who have been collaborating with Russian forces to defend against Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region, according to North Korea’s official news outlet, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This conversation highlighted the strategic partnership that both leaders aimed to reinforce following their agreement signed the previous year.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation, with Putin expressing gratitude for North Korea’s role in “liberating” the Kursk region during the military conflict. Reports indicate that North Korea has deployed over 10,000 troops to assist Russia in its military operations in Ukraine and is expected to send additional forces soon, as assessed by South Korean intelligence.
Kim assured Putin of Pyongyang’s unwavering support for “all measures to be taken by the Russian leadership in the future,” as noted by KCNA. Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, Kim has prioritized relations with Russia in his foreign policy, seeking to escape diplomatic isolation while forging connections with nations opposing the United States.
The North Korean government has dismissed overtures from Washington and Seoul aimed at resuming diplomatic discussions concerning its nuclear program, which stalled in 2019 after a failed summit with Donald Trump during his first presidency.
Recent evaluations from South Korean intelligence suggest that North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 troops to Russia since last autumn, alongside substantial shipments of military supplies, including artillery and ballistic missiles, to bolster Putin’s efforts against Ukraine. Furthermore, Kim is reportedly preparing to dispatch thousands of military construction workers and deminers to the Kursk area, with such deployments anticipated to occur in the near future.
The evolving dynamics between Russia and North Korea carry significant implications, particularly as both nations seek to enhance their military capabilities in the face of international scrutiny and geopolitical tensions.
