North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is confident of Russia’s victory in what he described as a “sacred war” to defend the country’s security interests and international justice.
Kim’s remarks, reported by North Korean state media KCNA, appeared to refer to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
He also pledged his “invariable support” for Putin and the Russian people.
The statement comes as relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have grown significantly closer, with North Korea sending troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine in 2024 and expanding military cooperation under a mutual defence pact.
Kim also sent a similar message to Chinese President Xi Jinping in a reply published by KCNA on Sunday.
In the message, Kim said North Korea would work with China to further strengthen their traditional friendship and advance their shared socialist cause.
Both messages were issued in response to congratulatory letters from Putin and Xi on Sept 9, when North Korea marked the 78th anniversary of its founding.
