North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a New Year’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him his "closest friend and comrade."
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim expressed hope that 2025 would mark "a year of victory in the war of the 21st century."
Kim also said he looks forward to strengthening the partnership between North Korea and Russia. He expressed confidence that the Russian army and people "will achieve a great victory by defeating neo-Nazis."
Putin’s New Year Messages
This year, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent New Year greetings to the leaders of 26 countries, two more than in 2024.
New recipients included the leaders of Myanmar, Ethiopia, and Mongolia, reflecting closer ties with these nations.
North Korea and Mongolia received messages amid growing cooperation with Russia. North Korea has provided weapons and troops to support Russia in Ukraine, while Mongolia made headlines for refusing to arrest Putin during his September visit despite an International Criminal Court warrant.
Putin also sent greetings to leaders from former Soviet countries like Armenia, Belarus, and Azerbaijan, as well as leaders from China, India, Venezuela, Nicaragua, South Africa, and Turkey.
Additionally, he sent New Year wishes to Pope Francis and former leaders such as Raul Castro of Cuba and Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan.
Notable Absences
Leaders of Abkhazia and Syria, who received greetings last year, were absent from the list.
In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad stepped down and moved to Russia after losing control over parts of the country.
In Abkhazia, public dissatisfaction has grown over agreements with Russia.
