Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un commit to enhancing their partnership
In a significant development, the airline route between Moscow and Pyongyang has been reopened, marking a first in decades and another step forward in the bilateral partnership between the two countries. This move comes following a series of high-level discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a phone call, during which Putin shared details about the upcoming talks between him and U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for Friday in Alaska. The conversation also saw Kim Jong-un assure Moscow of Pyongyang's "unconditional" support against Ukraine, a commitment reiterated during a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in mid-July.
The summit between Putin and Trump is expected to discuss a solution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The leaders have confirmed their willingness to strengthen cooperation in the future, but the details of this cooperation remain unspecified.
Historically, Russia (and formerly the Soviet Union) and North Korea have maintained a military relationship. However, recent reports suggest a turn towards "unlawful military cooperation including arms transfers," indicating a deepening and possibly more overt partnership. This shift is documented in a detailed May 2025 report.
North Korean forces have reportedly been actively participating in combat operations alongside Russian forces in Ukraine as of 2025. This reflects a significant operational role beyond mere symbolic support. The military cooperation between the two countries has intensified, particularly in the context of Russia's war in Ukraine.
In terms of political ties reinforcing this military cooperation, Kim Jong Un and Putin agreed in mid-August 2025 to deepen bilateral collaboration, indicating ongoing and possibly expanding strategic coordination beyond just military aspects. This represents a notable evolution from earlier periods of limited or indirect cooperation to a more direct and operational alliance in the current conflict.
North Korea has provided thousands of soldiers, weapons, and ammunition to support Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. In a show of appreciation, Putin praised the support and bravery of the North Korean troops, specifically referencing their role in the liberation of Kursk.
The strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, including a mutual defense pact, was signed in 2024. This partnership is expected to continue to evolve in the coming months and years, with both leaders expressing their commitment to strengthening cooperation between their countries.
- The strategic dialogues between Russia and North Korea, especially on war-and-conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, have been escalating, with the leaders agreeing to deepen bilateral collaboration in mid-August 2025.
- Amidst the evolving strategic partnership, North Korea has provided significant support to Russia in the conflict in Ukraine, supplying thousands of soldiers, weapons, and ammunition, earning praise from President Vladimir Putin for their operational role and bravery.
