Putin Congratulates Kim, Deepening Russia-NK Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory message to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, reaffirming that Moscow and Pyongyang are “actively cooperating in all the sectors” while working to ensure regional security and stability. The message, reported by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency on August 15, was received by Kim on August 14.
A Historic Bond Reaffirmed
August 15 marks the anniversary of the Korean Peninsula’s liberation from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule in 1945, a day of profound significance in North Korea where it is celebrated as the “Day of Liberation of the Fatherland.” Putin’s message highlighted the historical role of the Red Army and Korean patriots who fought together to end Japan’s colonial tyranny, noting that the “lasting traditions of militant friendship and mutual assistance” forged during that era continue to underpin bilateral relations.
According to TASS, the Russian president stated that relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have been “raised to the unprecedentedly high level of comprehensive strategic partnership,” with the two neighbors cooperating across all areas while making “concerted efforts aimed at ensuring regional stability and security.”
Putin expressed confidence that the two countries would continue “constructive joint undertakings on the pressing bilateral and international issues for the wellbeing of the peoples of Russia and the DPRK and for the establishment of a more righteous and genuine democratic world order.”
Medvedev Joins in Congratulatory Messages
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chair of the Russian Security Council, also sent a congratulatory telegram to Kim Jong-un, expressing hope that bilateral cooperation will continue to grow in all areas, including ties between the United Russia party and the Workers’ Party of Korea. Medvedev said the deepening relationship “accords with the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries and contributes to consolidating stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.”
The exchange of congratulatory messages on Liberation Day has become an annual tradition between the two leaders, as Yonhap News Agency has documented. Last year, on the 80th anniversary, Putin praised North Korean soldiers for their role in liberating Russia’s Kursk region from Ukrainian forces.
A Strategic Partnership Transformed
The latest exchange comes against the backdrop of a dramatically transformed Russia-North Korea relationship. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, signed by Putin and Kim during the Russian leader’s state visit to Pyongyang on June 19, 2024, elevated bilateral ties to the level of a full military alliance, committing both parties to provide immediate military assistance if either is invaded.
Since then, the partnership has deepened considerably. North Korea has supplied Russia with substantial military support for the war in Ukraine, including artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and thousands of troops deployed to help repel Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region. Reports in 2026 indicate Russia planned to bring in an additional 30,000 North Korean troops, as Asia Times reported.
The relationship has also expanded beyond military cooperation. North Korea has reportedly earned up to $14.4 billion from Russia from August 2023 through the end of 2025, according to South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy, with North Korean labor increasingly deployed to fill shortages in Russia’s war-strained economy.
Diplomatic Rhythm Intensifies
The Liberation Day message is part of an increasingly active diplomatic rhythm between Moscow and Pyongyang. In May 2026, Putin and Kim held a phone call during which the Russian leader shared information about his upcoming summit with US President Trump and thanked Kim for North Korean support in liberating the Kursk region, as JoongAng Ilbo reported. In March 2026, Putin congratulated Kim on his re-election as State Affairs Commission Chairman, emphasizing the importance of the comprehensive strategic partnership, according to Yonhap.
Strategic Implications
Analysts note that Kim has bet heavily on the Russia alliance to strengthen his position while maintaining close ties with China, which still accounts for over 98 percent of North Korea’s official foreign trade. Experts describe North Korea as being in “the ideal position of having two sponsors.”
However, as Asia Times analysis suggests, Kim’s strategic calculus depends on the outcome of the war in Ukraine and its economic and political impact on Russia. While the partnership remains strong and beneficial for both parties for now, the long-term sustainability of the alliance will be tested by the evolving dynamics of the conflict.
What to Watch
As the Russia-North Korea relationship continues to deepen, observers will be watching for further developments in military cooperation, additional troop deployments, and the potential transfer of advanced military technology. The annual exchange of congratulatory messages serves as a barometer of the alliance’s strength, and this year’s message signals that the partnership remains as robust as ever.
China’s Xinhua News reported that the congratulatory message emphasized that Russia and North Korea will continue to advance common causes involving urgent bilateral and international issues, underscoring the deepening alignment between the two nations on the global stage.