North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed on Saturday that relations with Russia were a "top priority" for North Korea, in a message to President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Victory Day celebrations.
In this message relayed by the official North Korean news agency KCNA, Kim Jong-un hailed the anniversary of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany in World War II and stressed the strategic importance of the partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.
The North Korean leader also confirmed his country's commitment to upholding the obligations under the mutual defense treaty signed with Russia in 2024 during Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang.
This "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty" includes, in particular, a mutual defense clause that significantly strengthens military ties between the two countries.
According to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western officials, North Korea has sent approximately 14,000 troops to Russia's Kursk region to support Russian forces in the war against Ukraine.
These same sources claim that North Korean troops have suffered heavy losses in combat, with more than 6,000 soldiers killed since their deployment alongside the Russian army.
The rapprochement between Moscow and Pyongyang is increasingly worrying Western countries and their Asian allies, who fear increased military cooperation between the two regimes in a context of growing international tensions.
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