On March 9, 2025, President Vladimir Putin extended his appreciation to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the deployment of troops from North Korea to support Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This acknowledgment came during a meeting between the two leaders on Wednesday at the Diaoyutai state guest house in Beijing.
Prior to their discussions, both Putin and Kim were honored guests at a military parade hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in the capital, Beijing, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. Putin seized the opportunity to commend the military alliance forged between their nations, which was solidified by a defense pact signed in June of the previous year.
Commendations and military contributions
During the meeting, Putin expressed heartfelt gratitude for the contributions made by North Korean troops, acknowledging their bravery in the ongoing conflict. He stated,
“Your soldiers fought courageously and heroically. I would like to note that we will never forget the sacrifices that your armed forces and the families of your servicemen have suffered.”
According to intelligence reports from South Korea, North Korea has dispatched approximately 15,000 troops to Russia since last year. Many of these soldiers have reportedly sustained injuries or lost their lives during combat in the Kursk region of Russia, particularly following a surprise offensive by Ukrainian forces in August 2024.
In exchange for its military assistance, analysts suggest that Moscow has provided North Korea with goods such as military equipment and oil supplies. Notably, North Korea, which acknowledged sending soldiers near the Russia-Ukraine border last April, has also committed to dispatching construction workers to aid in the reconstruction of areas affected by the conflict in the Kursk region.
Strengthening bilateral relations
During their discussions in Beijing, Kim emphasized the ongoing evolution of Russian-North Korean bilateral relations, stating that they have been “advancing across all areas.” He added,
“If there is any way we can assist Russia, we will certainly do it as a fraternal duty.”
This strengthened alliance emerges as both Russia and North Korea face a series of international sanctions—Russia due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and North Korea for its nuclear weapons program. The military parade in Beijing marked a significant moment, being the first occasion since the early Cold War era that the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea gathered together. It also marked the first multilateral event attended by Kim during his 14 years in power.
Reacting to the developments during the Beijing meeting, US President Donald Trump directed criticism at Xi Jinping, stating, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against the United States of America,” in a post on social media.