Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent warm congratulations to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after his reappointment to a third term as chairman of the State Affairs Commission. The message came as Pyongyang keeps firm backing for Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
Kim won the new term following elections for the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly held on March 15. State media reported turnout at 99.99 percent, with just 0.01 percent of voters away on work or abroad. Of those who voted, 99.93 percent supported the pre-approved candidates while 0.07 percent voted against. Kim had already been reelected as general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea in February.
In his message, Putin praised the strong ties between the two countries. He said Russia would keep building the “comprehensive strategic partnership” that both sides now follow. Kim replied with a letter published by North Korean state media on Wednesday. “Today, the DPRK and Russia are closely cooperating to defend the sovereignty of the two countries,” Kim wrote. “Pyongyang will always be with Moscow. This is our choice and unshakable will.”
The bond has grown since Russia’s full-scale push into Ukraine in 2022. North Korea has supplied large amounts of artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems. Estimates point to more than 20,000 containers of munitions sent to Russian forces. Approximately 11,000 North Korean combat troops and 1,000 engineers are deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. South Korean intelligence estimates approximately 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded as of February 2026.
The support likely flows both ways. Pyongyang receives food, fuel and access to Russian military technology in return. In June 2024, Putin and Kim signed a mutual defense pact during a visit to Pyongyang. The deal promises quick military help if either country comes under attack.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko plans a two-day visit to North Korea starting Wednesday to deepen ties. The Kremlin has kept an open invitation for Kim to visit Russia. No final word has come on whether he will join the May 9 Victory Day events in Moscow, but officials expect to show support from friendly nations.
These links test wider international rules on arms transfers and troop movements. Countries watch how partners share equipment and people under existing defense agreements. Russia frames the cooperation as normal ties between sovereign states. The moves keep supply lines open even when sanctions and restrictions tighten around both nations.
As of March 25, the fresh congratulations add to the steady flow of messages between Moscow and Pyongyang. Putin’s words underline Russia’s push to build stronger bonds with partners who share its view on global balance. Kim’s quick reply shows the partnership stays firm.
The partnership brings practical gains on the ground. Extra munitions help Russian units keep pressure along the front. For North Korea, the deals offer resources and know-how that support its own goals. Both sides see value in standing together when facing outside pressure.
The story fits Russia’s bigger aim to line up with like-minded states. With fighting in Ukraine still active, such alliances help stretch resources and ease isolation. They also send a signal that Russia has reliable friends ready to step in.
Daily updates from the front on March 24 and 25 show continued action, but the diplomatic side draws fresh eyes. Putin’s message keeps the focus on steady partnerships that deliver real returns in tough times.
Russia bets that true allies bring lasting strength. The warm exchange with Kim reminds everyone that Moscow values these ties and plans to nurture them further. As spring advances, the practical results of this cooperation will show in supply flows and joint steps ahead.