In a significant diplomatic gesture, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent a New Year's greeting to Russian President Vladimir Putin, lauding the rapidly deepening strategic partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow. The message, rich in symbolic language, portrays the relationship as a formidable and enduring alliance solidified through common geopolitical struggles.
A Bond Forged in the 'Same Trench'
Kim Jong Un's message, as reported, used profoundly strong imagery to describe the state of bilateral relations. He stated that throughout 2025, the DPRK-Russia ties were consolidated into "the sincerest alliance of sharing blood, life and death in the same trench." This phrasing underscores a partnership viewed as being tested and strengthened by shared adversity. The North Korean leader emphasized that the absolute solidity and might of this bond have been permanently etched into the pages of contemporary history.
He went further to assert the unbreakable nature of this unity, declaring that "now no one can break the relations between the peoples of the two countries." Kim attributed this resilience to a firm, shared will to defend what he termed the "just aspirations of the times" and to set history right, indicating a common front against Western-led international order.
Personal Pride and Unwavering Support
Striking a personal note, Kim Jong Un expressed his own feelings about the alliance. He addressed Putin as his "dearest friend" and stated he felt "boundless pride" in creating the great history of DPRK-Russia relations alongside him. This personalization of the diplomatic relationship highlights the top-down nature of the burgeoning partnership.
Reaffirming North Korea's steadfast position, Kim declared, "I affirm once again that I, the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and all the Korean people will always be with you and the fraternal Russian people." This statement serves as a clear pledge of continued political and strategic support for Russia amidst its ongoing conflicts and international isolation.
Reciprocal Messages and Military Praise
This communication follows an earlier New Year message from President Putin to Kim Jong Un. On December 18, according to North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency, Putin sent his greetings, noting that the year 2025 held "special meaning" for Moscow-Pyongyang relations.
Notably, Putin's message reportedly included direct praise for North Korean military personnel. KCNA quoted him as saying, "The heroic participation of North Korean soldiers in the war in Russia's western Kursk region clearly proved the invincible friendship between the two countries." This acknowledgment marks a rare and explicit public confirmation of North Korean military involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, specifically in the Kursk region, significantly elevating the practical dimension of their alliance beyond mere rhetoric.
In his concluding wishes, Kim Jong Un expressed hope for Putin's health and success in defending Russia's dignity and interests in 2026. He also wished for happiness and prosperity for the Russian people. The exchange of these high-profile messages at the turn of the year solidifies the perception of a strategic axis that is increasingly willing to publicly demonstrate its depth and operational coordination on the global stage.
