Department of Research, Studies and International News 31-12-2024

In a detailed New Year’s message, North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has emphasized the growing bond between Pyongyang and Moscow while extending his support to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The message, which highlights both camaraderie and strategic partnership, was reported by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim’s message was addressed to his “dearest friend and comrade,” Vladimir Putin, as well as the Russian people and military personnel. The North Korean leader expressed his heartfelt wishes for Russia’s prosperity, success, and well-being. He lauded Putin for his “responsible and heavy state leadership,” underscoring his belief in the Russian leader’s ability to guide the nation effectively.

In his letter, Kim also conveyed his intent to deepen collaboration with Moscow by proposing new joint initiatives in the coming year. Describing 2024 as a continuation of a “meaningful journey,” he emphasized the importance of designing and implementing projects that strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Furthermore, Kim reiterated his support for Russia’s efforts in Ukraine, expressing hope that Moscow would overcome what he described as “neo-Nazism” and achieve a significant victory in the ongoing conflict.

This rhetoric aligns with Putin’s justification for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, where he claimed, without providing evidence, that the military action was necessary to defend Russian-speaking populations from a “neo-Nazi dictatorship.” The North Korean leader’s endorsement of this narrative reflects the strengthening ties between the two nations.

Strengthened Relations Amid War

Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, North Korea and Russia have significantly bolstered their relationship. A pivotal moment in their alliance came in June, when Putin made his first visit to North Korea in nearly 25 years, culminating in the signing of a mutual defense agreement between the two countries. This agreement marked a notable step in consolidating their political and military cooperation.

Following the pact, Pyongyang reportedly provided substantial military support to Russia. South Korean and Ukrainian officials have stated that North Korea sent over 10,000 troops to assist Russian forces in Ukraine. This deployment underscores Pyongyang’s active role in the conflict, aligning itself with Moscow’s military agenda.

Despite the alliance, North Korean involvement in the war has come at a significant cost. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently disclosed that Ukrainian forces had killed or injured more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service offered more conservative estimates, reporting around 100 North Korean fatalities and 1,000 injuries.

A Growing Alliance

The exchange of messages and military cooperation highlights the evolving relationship between North Korea and Russia. While the two countries have long shared a history of diplomatic ties, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine appears to have accelerated their partnership. By publicly endorsing Russia’s actions and committing military resources, North Korea has positioned itself as a key ally for Moscow in a highly polarized geopolitical landscape.