Putin Hails Expanding Cooperation with North Korea as Regional Security Ties Deepen

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Moscow’s growing cooperation with North Korea, saying the two countries are coordinating efforts across a broad range of areas to support regional security and stability, North Korean state media KCNA reported on Saturday.

Putin made the comments in a message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un marking the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule.

According to KCNA, Putin said he was confident Russia and North Korea would continue their “constructive joint work” on bilateral matters as well as international issues. His message highlighted the increasingly close relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang as both governments seek to strengthen political and security ties.

Kim visited Pyongyang’s Liberation Tower on Friday to commemorate Soviet soldiers who fought Japanese forces during the Second World War. A wreath placed in his name carried a message honouring the Soviet troops who died during the conflict.

KCNA quoted Kim as saying that the historical relationship between the two countries, built on shared sacrifices and military cooperation, had become an important foundation for their expanding partnership.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also sent a message of congratulations to Kim, according to the North Korean news agency.

The latest exchanges come as Russia and North Korea have significantly strengthened relations in recent years, raising concerns among Western governments and other countries about military cooperation between the two states.

North Korea has been accused of providing Russia with weapons and ammunition for its war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly claimed that Russian forces have used North Korean missiles against Ukrainian targets and has accused Pyongyang of supplying additional military equipment and personnel.

Moscow and Pyongyang have rejected various Western accusations concerning their military cooperation, while both countries have continued to expand diplomatic engagement.

Their relationship received a major boost after Putin and Kim signed a strategic partnership agreement that included mutual support provisions. The two leaders have also held high-level meetings as their governments seek closer cooperation in areas including defence, trade and technology.

Analysts say North Korea’s growing links with Russia are also connected to its broader security strategy. Pyongyang has sought stronger backing from Moscow and Beijing while presenting the security environment in Northeast Asia as a competition between opposing blocs.

The North Korean government has continued developing its nuclear and missile programmes despite international sanctions and pressure to abandon its weapons ambitions.

Putin’s latest message, along with Kim’s tribute to Soviet soldiers, underscores the historical symbolism both governments use to frame their relationship.

The exchanges also demonstrate how Moscow and Pyongyang are seeking to deepen their partnership at a time of heightened tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, the United States and countries across East Asia.