Kim Jong Un Highlights Deep Ties in New Year Message to Putin Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

On Saturday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the deep connections between his country and Russia, referring to their shared experiences of «blood, life, and death» in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. His remarks were part of New Year’s greetings sent to President Vladimir Putin.

According to intelligence reports from South Korean and Western agencies, North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to support Moscow amid its nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement released by the state-run KCNA news agency, Kim characterized the year 2025 as significant for the strengthening of their bilateral alliance formed through shared sacrifices in conflict.

It was only in April that North Korea acknowledged sending troops to back Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, confirming that some had lost their lives in battle.

Earlier this month, North Korea admitted to deploying troops to assist in mine clearance in Russia’s Kursk region in August 2025. Kim reported that at least nine soldiers from an engineering regiment were killed during this 120-day mission in a speech on December 12, which celebrated their return.

In his New Year’s message to Putin, Kim issued these greetings just a day after instructing officials to enhance missile production efforts.

In recent years, North Korea has significantly ramped up missile testing, with analysts suggesting that this is aimed at refining precision strike capabilities to challenge the U.S. as well as South Korea, while also preparing weapons for potential export to Russia.

Alongside sending troops to fight alongside Russia, North Korea has supplied artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.

In exchange, analysts suggest that Russia is providing North Korea with financial assistance, military technology, and essential supplies such as food and energy.