North Korea's Kim Jong-un Reaffirms Ties With Russia in Victory Day Message

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia's Victory Day, according to state media. The message reaffirmed Pyongyang's commitment to give top priority to and steadily develop its alliance-like comprehensive strategic partnership with Moscow.

Kim extended his sincerest congratulations on the 81st Victory Day. He expressed satisfaction with the current brilliant history of independence, dignity, peace and prosperity shared by the two countries, the Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday.

"Reaffirming the stand of the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to give top priority to and steadily develop the alliance-like comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries, I affirm once again that we will always faithfully fulfill the obligations under the inter-state treaty between the DPRK and Russia," Kim said.

In June 2024, Kim and Putin signed the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, which revived elements of the countries' Cold War-era military alliance. After the signing, Pyongyang deployed around 15,000 combat troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine and expanded bilateral cooperation on multiple fronts.

The two leaders met in Beijing on Sept. 3, 2025, ahead of a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender and the end of World War II. A photo released by North Korean state media showed them shaking hands at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

North Korea has continued to strengthen military ties with Russia in the period since the treaty was signed. State media has described the troop deployment as an exemplary case of implementing the agreement.