North Korea, Russia bound in ‘blood of war’: Kim tells Putin in New Year note

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said that ties between Pyongyang and Moscow have been sealed through “shared blood” shed during the Ukraine conflict, in a New Year message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a message published on Saturday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim described 2025 as a “really meaningful year” for relations between the two countries, pointing to closer cooperation and what he portrayed as a deep bond formed under wartime conditions.

“My dear comrade! On behalf of the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Korean people, I extend the warmest and sincerest greeting of best wishes to you and, through you, to the government of the Russian Federation and the fraternal Russian people on the occasion of the New Year 2026,” the letter read.

Kim said Russia–DPRK ties had grown stronger over the past year, developing, in his words, “into the sincerest alliance of sharing blood, life and death in the same trench, and their absolute solidity and mightiness have been more vividly etched in the pages of the times and history.”

He added that the unity between the two nations was unbreakable, saying that justice, truth, victory and glory would always stand with Russia and its leader.

Kim also wished Putin “good health and greater success in your responsible work for defending the dignity and interests of Russia on the occasion of the hopeful New Year 2026,” adding, “I sincerely hope that only happiness and prosperity will be in store for the Russian people.”

North Korean leader vows to 'fully support' Russia as Putin hails 'special' ties

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un has expressed his country’s readiness to “fully support” Russia.

Putin, in a separate New Year message to Kim that was also published by KCNA on December 18, praised North Korea’s contribution to operations in Russia’s western Kursk region.

He referred to “the heroic entry of soldiers of the Korean People’s Army into the battles for liberating the Kursk region from occupiers and the subsequent activities of Korean engineers in the land of Russia,” highlighting the strength of the growing partnership.

He said the two countries would continue to deepen their alliance and expand constructive cooperation on regional and international issues.

Earlier this month, Kim confirmed that North Korean engineering units were deployed to the Kursk region in August 2025 to assist with mine-clearing operations following a Ukrainian incursion.

He said at least nine soldiers were killed during the 120-day mission, describing their service as part of the broader cooperation between the two allies.

Alongside personnel deployments, Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems, while Russia has provided North Korea with financial support, military technology, and energy assistance, reflecting the expanding scope of their partnership.

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