North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a New Year’s greeting to Russian President Vladimir Putin, lauding the two nations’ shared commitment and referring to a bond forged through ‘blood, life, and death.’ The message, delivered Friday, highlights the increasingly close relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Kim stated that 2025 marked a pivotal year in the alliance between North Korea and Russia, strengthened by a shared struggle. According to the message released by the Korean Central News Agency, this alliance is cemented by a willingness to stand together ‘in the same trench.’
The North Korean leader expressed his belief that the current partnership represents a ‘precious common asset’ that should be nurtured for generations to come. Kim’s message followed a New Year’s greeting sent by Putin to the North Korean leader on December 18th.
Intelligence reports suggest that North Korea has provided support to Russia in its ongoing conflict. While Pyongyang has not officially confirmed these reports, analysts believe the growing cooperation signifies a strategic shift.
Earlier in December, North Korea acknowledged sending personnel to assist with demining operations in the Kursk region of Russia, near the Ukrainian border, in August 2025. Kim Jong-un, in a speech on December 12th, confirmed that several soldiers from an engineering unit were killed during the operation. His New Year’s message to Putin came shortly after he ordered an increase in missile production for 2026.
North Korea has significantly increased its missile testing activities in recent years. Analysts suggest these tests aim to improve strike capabilities and challenge the United States and South Korea. These tests also serve to showcase weaponry potentially for export to Russia.
Relations between North Korea and Russia have grown closer since the start of the conflict. The exchange of New Year’s greetings further solidifies this burgeoning alliance.
