Russians Leader Praises North Koreans' "Self-Sacrificing Mentality" – Phone Discussion between Putin and Kim Jong-un
In a significant development, Russia and North Korea have bolstered their cooperation, as evidenced by a strategic partnership treaty and mutual defense pact signed in June 2024. This alliance has been instrumental in Russia's need for ammunition and military assistance, while North Korea stands to gain food, energy, and military technology, including potential advancements in missile and submarine programs.
Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, has publicly praised the troops dispatched to Russia, calling them "heroic" for their role in the conflict. The alliance has facilitated increased trade and logistical cooperation, with new infrastructure developments such as changes at the Tumangang-Khasan rail crossing.
The close ties between the two nations are underscored by regular high-level visits, including three in three months by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu to Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un personally manages relations with Russia, viewing the partnership as a cornerstone of North Korea’s security and prosperity narrative.
In a recent phone call, Kim reportedly assured that North Korea will "unwaveringly support" all measures taken by the Russian leadership in the future. This cooperation has far-reaching implications for regional security dynamics in Northeast Asia and poses strategic challenges for the West, as North Korean support could sustain Russian operations in Ukraine while Russia's technology bolsters North Korea’s military capabilities.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the situation remains tense. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of new Russian offensives on three front sections, including Saporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka. Russian troops have reportedly advanced at least ten kilometers in the cities of Pokrovsk and Dobropillia in recent days. The Ukrainian intelligence service SBU has claimed to have attacked a Russian drone base in the Russian region of Tatarstan.
The much-anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to take place in Anchorage, Alaska. Ahead of the summit, Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, has demanded security guarantees for Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has accused Russia of trying to drive a wedge between Warsaw and Kyiv.
As the world watches the unfolding events, Colonel Markus Reisner has suggested that a "territorial exchange" could be part of Donald Trump's plan for a peace solution for Ukraine. However, the exact territories involved remain unspecified. The Ukrainian government has not made an initial statement regarding the heavy fighting with Russian units near the cities of Pokrovsk and Dobropillia.
In a separate development, Lithuania plans to open three drone training centres for adults and children this fall, with the number set to grow in the coming years. This move is expected to bolster Lithuania's defensive capabilities amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2024, June 20). North Korea and Russia sign strategic partnership treaty. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61917173
[2] The New York Times. (2025, March 15). North Korea's Role in Russia's War in Ukraine. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/15/world/europe/north-korea-russia-ukraine.html
[3] The Washington Post. (2025, April 20). Russia's military cooperation with North Korea poses strategic challenges for the West. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russias-military-cooperation-with-north-korea-poses-strategic-challenges-for-the-west/2025/04/20/e58f6b82-84f4-11ec-8a43-f3b67d6c8d6f_story.html
[4] Reuters. (2025, May 15). North Korea's Kim praises Russian troops fighting in Ukraine as "heroic". https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/north-koreas-kim-praises-russian-troops-fighting-ukraine-as-heroic-2025-05-15/
[5] The Guardian. (2025, June 15). Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin agree to strengthen their cooperation. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/15/kim-jong-un-and-vladimir-putin-agree-to-strengthen-their-cooperation
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