North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is confident in Russia's victory in what he described as a "holy war" for peace and justice in Ukraine.
In a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un said, "The strong Russian people, under the energetic leadership of Comrade Putin, will firmly defend the country's sovereign rights and security interests and will surely win the holy war to achieve peace in the region and international justice."
His comments were made in a telegram to Putin on the occasion of Korea's liberation anniversary, as reported by TASS.
Kim Jong-un also highlighted the close ties between the armies and people of North Korea and Russia, which he said were formed during their shared struggle against a common enemy.
He described this bond as a "brotherhood" and a "strong driving force" that continues to strengthen the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two nations, now raised to a "comprehensive strategic partnership."
The North Korean leader sent this message to Putin as intense fighting continues between Ukrainian Armed Forces and Russian troops in the Kursk region.
In a week of fighting, Ukrainian forces have reportedly captured more than 70 settlements and taken control of over 1,000 square kilometers of territory.
Russia and North Korea have become closer since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Pyongyang openly supporting Moscow's military actions.
From August 2023 to January 2024, Russia reportedly received about 1.6 million artillery shells from North Korea, according to the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS).
South Korean intelligence also reports that Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with nearly 5 million artillery shells, along with ballistic missiles.
In return, Russia has started providing North Korea with tanks, aircraft, and technology for a spy satellite program, according to South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, as reported by The Moscow Times.
During Putin’s visit to North Korea in June of this year, the two countries signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, a new agreement that replaces the 2001 treaty. This agreement includes provisions for mutual assistance if either country is attacked.
Putin called the treaty a "breakthrough document," showing the countries' commitment to taking their relationship to a "new level."
