Kim Jong Un calls Putin 'friendly companion' in Liberation Day exchange, backs Ukraine war

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un exchanged congratulatory messages with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Korea's Liberation Day, showcasing the deepening ties between the two nations. In a reply message on August 15, Kim referred to Putin as a "friendly companion" and expressed gratitude for Putin's congratulatory message.

Kim emphasized the shared history between North Korea and Russia, noting the "heroic feats of the Red Army soldiers who fought valiantly in the sacred war to annihilate the common enemy" during Korea's liberation from Japanese rule. He expressed pride in continuing the "noble tradition of friendship" between the two countries with Putin, looking forward to a "more brilliant future" for North Korea-Russia relations.

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I am always proud to be able to lead the relationship between the two countries, the DPRK and Russia, which have continuously carried forward the common history of struggle for justice and the noble tradition of friendship, and to look with certainty towards a more brilliant future for the relations between the two countries.

Furthermore, Kim reaffirmed North Korea's support for Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine. He stated his "firm conviction" that the "heroic Russian army and people will surely achieve the sacred task of defending the sovereignty and security interests and territorial integrity of the country and building a powerful Russia under your wise leadership." This statement underscores North Korea's backing for Russia's war efforts.

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I once again express my firm conviction that the heroic Russian army and people will surely achieve the sacred task of defending the sovereignty and security interests and territorial integrity of the country and building a powerful Russia under your wise leadership.

The strengthening relationship was also evident with the arrival of the Russian training sailing ship Pallada in the North Korean port of Wonsan on August 15, coinciding with Liberation Day. The ship's crew and trainees visited monuments dedicated to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, laying wreaths. This visit is part of a friendly exchange program between Wonsan City and the Russian vessel.

Putin's congratulatory message on August 14 also highlighted the "firm tradition of friendly good-neighborly relations and mutual assistance" established between Russia and North Korea during the "harsh period of Japanese occupation." He expressed confidence that both nations would "continue constructive joint work on pressing bilateral and international issues," suggesting potential cooperation beyond economic and social spheres, possibly including military collaboration.

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The firm tradition of friendly good-neighborly relations and mutual assistance, which formed the basis for the development of friendly relations between the Russian Federation and the DPRK in the harsh period of Japanese occupation, has been laid.

Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju and daughter Ju Ae, also visited the Liberation Tower, commemorating the Soviet army's role in Korea's liberation. This marks the first time Ju Ae has attended the annual commemoration with her father since the two countries established a "comprehensive strategic partnership" in 2024.

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We are confident that we will continue constructive joint work on pressing bilateral and international issues.