On Wednesday, a North Korean propaganda agency confirmed that Kim Jong-un spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin the previous day. This comes after their mutual defense treaty signed last year, which has solidified Russia’s position as North Korea’s key ally.
Both the South Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Kremlin verified calls made on Tuesday, just days before the anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and President Putin set for Friday in Anchorage, Alaska. The ongoing invasion of Ukraine, where North Korea has been involved, is likely to dominate discussions.
The Kremlin’s account of the call highlighted that Putin informed Kim about the upcoming Trump Summit.
This exchange from Putin conveys a significant endorsement of North Korea’s status as an important ally. Traditionally, China has been North Korea’s closest geopolitical partner, but recently, that dynamic has shifted, with Russia gaining more influence.
“Comrades Kim and Putin exchanged friendly greetings and spoke in a warm atmosphere,” it was reported, with Kim expressing gratitude to Putin for the Soviet Union’s role in World War II, particularly in defeating Japan.
KCNA also reiterated its intent to send troops to support Russia in Ukraine, although it claimed involvement has been limited to specific battles near the border, notably in Kursk, which had faced opposition from Kyiv in August. North Korea engaged in combat in June 2024 after agreeing to a mutual defense pact with Russia during Kim’s first visit there in two decades.
“The Russian President praised the support from North Korea,” the North Korean news agency stated, acknowledging the bravery and dedication of North Korean soldiers in the conflict. KCNA additionally mentioned that the two leaders discussed matters of shared interest.
The Kremlin’s version of the conversation aligns closely with KCNA’s, both celebrating Korea’s liberation from Japan and pledging to strengthen their cooperative relationship.
Discussions about Putin’s upcoming meeting with Trump were also noted, with Putin sharing details with Kim regarding this development.
On the topic of Ukraine, the Kremlin remarked, “Putin commended North Korea’s support during the liberation of Kursk and recognized the valor shown by DPRK soldiers.”
Following the news of their conversation, some media outlets speculated on the possibility that Putin might facilitate conversations between North Korea and Trump. Trump was the first US president to visit North Korea, engaging in unprecedented talks with Kim, though those discussions ended in 2019 when Trump left a summit over disagreements on sanctions and nuclear development.
Despite the faltering negotiations, Kim and Trump continued a personal dialogue, including notable correspondence after a campaign incident in July 2024.
Kim Yeon-jung, Kim Jong-un’s sister and a senior official, dismissed the notion that Pyongyang would use Putin to communicate with Trump, calling it unnecessary. “Why send a message to the US?” she questioned, asserting a disinterest in past discussions and the need for explanation.
Nonetheless, Kim has a special rapport with Trump, which suggests little chance North Korea will alter its stance toward Washington.
Russia has maintained close relations with North Korea for years, but recently has enhanced these ties following the signing of the Mutual Defense Agreement. In July, Putin sent Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Pyongyang, where Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s “unconditional” backing of the Russian invasion.
“North Korea stands ready to support any measures taken by Russian leadership to address the Ukraine crisis,” KCNA reported, aligning this with their bilateral treaty spirit.
