Putin praises ‘heroic’ North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine, as two countries forge closer military ‘bonds’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised North Korean troops for their role in the war in Ukraine, calling their actions “heroic” in a letter sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, according to North Korean state media.

The letter, released on Friday by the Korean Central News Agency, highlighted the growing military and political ties between Moscow and Pyongyang amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin commended the deployment of more than 12,000 North Korean troops, thanking them for helping Russian forces recapture the Kursk region after Ukraine’s surprise counteroffensive last summer.

“The bonds of military friendship, goodwill, and mutual aid—first forged during the historic fight against Japanese imperialism—remain strong and dependable today,” Putin wrote, referencing the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule on August 15, 1945. “This was demonstrated by the heroic participation of soldiers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in liberating the Kursk region from Ukrainian occupiers.”

Putin added that “the Russian people will forever remember their bravery and self-sacrifice,” and said the two countries would continue to work together to defend their sovereignty and promote what he called a “just and multi-polar world order.”

His message coincided with a visit by a Russian delegation to Pyongyang, where officials expressed gratitude to Kim for sending what they called “excellent soldiers” to support Russia’s military campaign.

Kim Jong-un also reportedly held a phone call with Putin earlier this week. According to state media, both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation and maintain close communication. Their alliance has raised concerns in the international community, particularly after South Korean intelligence warned that North Korea may be preparing to send an additional 30,000 troops to Ukraine. The same report estimated that North Korea is now supplying nearly half of Russia’s ammunition used in the conflict.

The two nations solidified their growing partnership last year by signing a mutual defense pact during Putin’s visit to North Korea — their strongest bilateral agreement since the Cold War.