Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the courage of his troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The leaders met on Wednesday in Beijing during one of China’s largest military parades, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II in Asia.
This marked Kim’s first appearance at a major international gathering, a rare departure from his typically isolated engagements, which usually involve one-on-one meetings with other leaders.
During talks, Putin praised the North Korean soldiers for their “heroic” efforts and acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families. Kim responded by reaffirming Pyongyang’s support for Russia, describing the bilateral relationship as “advancing across all areas” and pledging assistance “as a fraternal duty.”
South Korean officials estimate that North Korea has deployed approximately 15,000 troops to support Russia, along with missiles and long-range weaponry, in exchange for food, financial aid, and technical support. Reports indicate heavy casualties among the North Korean troops, who are largely inexperienced and initially served in training and support roles. Casualty estimates range from over 1,000 in the first three months to approximately 4,700, including 600 deaths, according to Seoul lawmakers.
The meeting at Tiananmen Square saw Kim walking alongside both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling the leaders’ growing alignment and sending a clear message to the West. This was the third meeting between Putin and Kim in two years, reflecting deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. In June, the two leaders signed a mutual support agreement pledging assistance in the event of aggression against either country.
Kim also met families of North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine, expressing sorrow over their deaths and promising to honor them with a monument and support for their children.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Putin’s remarks in China, calling out Russia’s ongoing attacks and warning that the country will face “consequences of its audacity.” Former US President Donald Trump accused Putin, Xi, and Kim of conspiring against the United States, though the Kremlin suggested he may have been “ironic.”
