Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised North Korean troops deployed in Ukraine as “heroic,” according to a letter sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as reported by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
In the letter, Putin highlighted the growing military cooperation between the two nations, stating that their historic ties—first forged during the fight against Japanese occupation in 1945—remain strong today.
“This was demonstrated by the heroic participation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s soldiers in liberating the territory of the Kursk region from the Ukrainian occupiers,” Putin wrote, referring to North Korean troops reportedly assisting Russian forces in retaking the area after a Ukrainian counter-offensive last summer.
The Russian president commended the North Korean soldiers for their “bravery and self-sacrifice,” despite many of them lacking experience in modern warfare. Pyongyang is believed to have deployed over 12,000 troops to aid Moscow’s efforts in Ukraine.
Putin’s message came as a Russian delegation visited Pyongyang to thank Kim Jong-un for his military support. KCNA reported that the two leaders also held a phone call on Wednesday, where they agreed to deepen military cooperation and maintain closer communication.
“The Russian people will keep forever the memories of their bravery and self-sacrifice,” Putin said, expressing gratitude for what he called “excellent soldiers.”
The growing alliance has raised alarm among international observers. Last month, South Korean intelligence warned that North Korea could soon send up to 30,000 additional troops to bolster Russia’s military campaign. Analysts also estimate that North Korea is now supplying nearly half of Russia’s ammunition needs for the ongoing invasion.
Putin concluded his letter by reaffirming the two nations’ shared commitment to defending their sovereignty and promoting what he called a “just and multi-polar world order.”
