UPDATE: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has just praised his country’s alliance with Russia as the “most sincere alliance” in a powerful New Year message addressed to President Vladimir Putin. The message, reported by North Korean state media on December 27, 2025, underscores a commitment to further strengthen ties amid ongoing international tensions.
In his message, Kim referred to Putin as “my dear comrade,” highlighting the deep-rooted connections forged by shared sacrifices during conflicts. He stated, “With the passing days of 2025, DPRK-Russia relations have been further solidified,” emphasizing that their alliance is “vividly engraved on the pages of the era and history.” This declaration comes as North Korea has been actively supporting Russia’s military efforts, particularly in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Kim’s remarks were laden with emotional weight, asserting that “no one can break the relationship between the peoples of our two countries, nor the solidarity of our peoples.” He described 2025 as “a truly meaningful year” for their alliance, which he characterized as “a precious shared asset” intended to be passed down through generations. This rhetoric suggests a deepening of military and political cooperation between the two nations.
The context of Kim’s message is significant, following a recent greeting from Putin, who expressed gratitude for North Korea’s troop deployment to the Kursk region. Putin’s confidence in ongoing constructive cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang sets the stage for potential escalations in their partnership.
Since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in June 2024, North Korea and Russia have intensified collaboration across various sectors. Kim’s New Year message was prominently featured on the front page of Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers’ Party, indicating the importance of this alliance in North Korean politics.
As international discussions about the Ukraine conflict evolve, Kim’s message serves as a stark reminder of North Korea’s commitment to its alliance with Russia. Observers note that this relationship could impact geopolitical dynamics, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, where both nations are increasingly asserting their influence.
What happens next will be crucial. Watch for potential military collaborations and further statements from both leaders as 2025 unfolds, especially regarding their roles in global conflicts and regional stability.
