North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has highlighted the country’s relationship with Russia, referring to it as the “most sincere alliance” in a New Year message directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin. The message, reported by North Korean state media on December 27, 2025, underscores Kim’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.
In his address, Kim referred to Putin as “my dear comrade” and emphasized the historical depth of the relationship, noting that it was “forged by sharing blood in the trenches and experiencing life and death together.” He remarked that as 2025 progresses, the ties between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Russia have become increasingly solidified, adding that their bond was “vividly engraved on the pages of the era and history.”
Kim asserted, “No one can break the relationship between the peoples of our two countries, nor the solidarity of our peoples.” He characterized the year 2025 as “a truly meaningful year” for enhancing their alliance through “mutual and complete support and selfless solidarity.” This relationship, he stated, is a “precious shared asset” that should be preserved for future generations.
The remarks were interpreted in the context of North Korea’s military support for Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Pyongyang has positioned its troop deployment as a significant contribution that has fortified relations between the two nations, despite ongoing international discussions aimed at resolving the conflict.
Kim’s message came as a response to a New Year greeting from Putin, who expressed gratitude for North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia’s Kursk region. Putin conveyed his confidence that the two countries would continue their constructive cooperation on various regional and international matters.
Since formalizing their comprehensive strategic partnership in June 2024, North Korea and Russia have intensified collaboration across multiple sectors. Last year, their alliance was notably showcased as North Korea supported Moscow’s efforts to regain control of the Kursk region.
The New Year message from Kim was prominently featured on the front page of Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. In previous years, North Korea has released the complete text of New Year letters exchanged between Kim and Putin, while communications from other leaders, such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, received less extensive coverage.
This ongoing dialogue highlights the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, reflecting a shared commitment to mutual support amid a complex international landscape. As both nations navigate their relationships on the global stage, Kim’s declaration serves to reaffirm their alliance as a cornerstone of their diplomatic strategies moving forward.
