North Korea’s Kim Hails Putin as ‘Comrade’ in New Year’s Greetings, Pledges Deeper Ties with Russia

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has extended warm New Year’s wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

In a heartfelt letter reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday, Kim referred to Putin as his "dearest friend and comrade" and extended his greetings to the Russian people and military personnel. The North Korean leader wished Putin success in his leadership responsibilities, along with prosperity and happiness for the Russian people.

Kim also expressed his intention to collaborate with Moscow on “new projects” in 2024, signaling a commitment to further deepen bilateral relations. Referring to their shared journey in 2023, Kim underscored the “meaningful” partnership between North Korea and Russia, expressing hope for its continuation in the coming year.

Furthermore, Kim voiced his support for Russia's military actions in Ukraine, expressing confidence that Moscow would “defeat neo-Nazism and achieve a great victory” in the conflict. Putin has frequently justified his invasion of Ukraine by alleging, without evidence, the need to protect Russian speakers from a supposed “neo-Nazi dictatorship.”

Strengthening North Korea-Russia Ties Amid the Ukraine War

The relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow has grown significantly since the onset of the war in Ukraine. In June, the two nations solidified their military alliance through a mutual defense pact signed during Putin’s historic visit to North Korea, his first in nearly 25 years.

Since then, North Korea has reportedly sent more than 10,000 troops to assist Russian forces in Ukraine, a move condemned by the international community. According to South Korean and Ukrainian officials, these soldiers have played a direct role in supporting Russia’s war efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently claimed that Ukrainian forces had killed or wounded more than 3,000 North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) also estimates that approximately 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed, and 1,000 others have been injured in Ukraine. The increasing involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict has raised concerns about Pyongyang’s role in bolstering Russia’s military capabilities amidst international sanctions.

The Implications of Kim's Message

Kim’s New Year’s message highlights North Korea’s growing alignment with Russia as both nations face mounting international isolation. While North Korea seeks to strengthen its position through military and economic partnerships with Moscow, Russia benefits from Pyongyang’s support on the battlefield as it navigates sanctions and supply chain challenges.

Observers suggest that this deepening alliance could have long-term implications for regional stability, particularly as both nations appear determined to challenge Western influence.

Kim’s message also reflects a broader trend of authoritarian regimes forming alliances in opposition to democratic nations. As North Korea and Russia continue to bolster their ties, the international community is likely to face further challenges in addressing global security and human rights concerns.