PYONG YANG, North Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his commitment to deepening cooperation with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin. The message, reported by North Korea’s KCNA state news agency on August 16, was in response to Putin’s congratulatory note on the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule.
Kim highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, forged during their joint struggle against Japan in World War II, as a foundation for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” and an “invincible comradeship.” This relationship was further solidified during a summit in June, where Kim and Putin signed a mutual defence agreement, strengthening ties amid growing international concerns.
The deepening relationship between North Korea and Russia has drawn criticism and accusations from South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States, who allege that Kim is providing Russia with rockets and missiles to aid in its war against Ukraine. In return, North Korea is reportedly receiving economic and military assistance from Moscow.
Kim’s message comes at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea’s state media notably omitting any reference to a unification blueprint proposed by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on August 15. Yoon’s plan called for dialogue with Pyongyang and proposed an international conference on North Korea’s human rights—a proposal met with skepticism by experts who doubt Pyongyang’s willingness to engage, viewing it as a potential threat to its regime.
South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho, however, expressed optimism, stating that he believes North Korea will carefully review the proposal rather than outright reject it. This comes at a critical juncture in inter-Korean relations, which have reached one of their lowest points in recent history.
