Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered an “important personal letter” to North Korean leader Kim Jong-unthrough his top security aide, reaffirming Moscow’s ongoing trade relations with Pyongyang — even as cease-fire negotiations continue in the Ukraine conflict.
The development was reported Saturday by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), following a high-level visit by Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s State Security Council, who conveyed the letter and personal greetings from Putin to Kim during his visit on Friday.
According to KCNA, Kim expressed “deep thanks” and returned “militant greetings” to Putin, affirming unwavering support for Russia’s war aims. Kim reportedly stated that it was “the steadfast option and resolute will of the DPRK government” to back Russia in its “struggle for defending its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests.”
Analysts suggest that Putin’s gesture is part of a strategic effort to strengthen his hand ahead of potential negotiations with Western powers. The move comes amid speculation that North Korea may dispatch a third batch of troops or military support to Russian-held territory in Ukraine, signaling deeper military cooperation between the two countries.
At the same time, observers note that Kim Jong-un is likely seeking increased economic aid and security guarantees in return, as North Korea continues to navigate international sanctions and domestic hardships.
The continued high-level exchanges between Russia and North Korea underscore the growing alignment between the two isolated regimes, both of which face escalating tensions with Western nations.
