North Korea and Russia have reinforced their alliance amidst global tensions, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praising Russian President Vladimir Putin as his 'dearest friend and comrade.' This camaraderie reflects a growing partnership, marked by a defense pact that promises mutual military support if either nation is threatened. The collaboration has extended to military involvement, with North Korea reportedly dispatching over 10,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine, leading to significant casualties.
South Korean sources estimate that the deployment has resulted in around 100 North Korean soldiers killed and 1,000 injured. Despite these losses, Kim Jong Un remains committed to advancing joint projects with Moscow in the coming year. The relationship between the two countries is rooted in historical ties dating back to the Soviet era, and continues to deepen as they face criticism from Western nations.
Kim Jong Un's recent New Year's greeting to Putin underscored his support for Russia in its ongoing conflict, expressing aspirations for a Russian victory over what he termed 'neo-Nazism.' Meanwhile, Russia reciprocated with a similar New Year's message, highlighting the mutual warmth in their diplomatic exchanges. As North Korea and Russia look ahead, they aim to expand their political, military, and cultural cooperation, signaling a robust alliance amid a complex global landscape.
