'Always proud': Kim Jong Un hails Russia ties in message to Putin North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his country's close ties with Russia, praising their relationship as one built on shared struggle for justice and friendship.
The exchange came as North Korea marked the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow has been forged in the fire of war.
Following Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea provided troops and weapons to support Russia's war effort. In return, Moscow is said to have offered economic assistance and military technology.