North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on 12/8 "in a comradely and friendly atmosphere," and affirmed their "will to strengthen future cooperation," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Putin expressed gratitude for the "spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by North Korean soldiers during the liberation of Kursk," describing their actions as courageous and heroic.

Kim Jong-un thanked Putin for his praise of the North Korean troops, reaffirming Pyongyang's commitment to the treaty between the two countries and continued "full support for all measures taken by the Russian leadership."

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo: AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo: AFP

The phone call took place a few days before the Russia-US summit in Alaska. US President Donald Trump is expected to pressure Russia to end its campaign in Ukraine.

Russia and North Korea have built strong ties in recent years. In 6/2024, the two leaders signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which includes a mutual defense clause. Under the treaty, if one country is subjected to armed attack, the other will immediately provide military support and other assistance by all possible means.

Two months later, Ukraine launched an offensive in Russia's Kursk province. North Korea sent troops to support Russia in repelling the attack and completely liberating Kursk by the end of April.

Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov praised the "professionalism of the North Korean soldiers in the Kursk liberation campaign." Putin later also thanked the North Korean leader for sending troops to fight in Kursk.

In May, Kim Jong-un stated that North Korea's deployment of troops to Kursk was "justified and an exercise of sovereign rights to protect a brother nation."

Huyen Le (KCNA, AFP, TASS)