N. Korean leader pays tribute to Soviet soldiers amid deepening Russia ties

Seoul, August 15 - In a display of growing ties with Russia, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un honored Soviet soldiers on Friday, laying a wreath at the Liberation Tower on the eve of Korea's 81st anniversary of liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The gesture, reported by Pyongyang's state media, came a day before the 81st Liberation Day, which marks Korea's break from Japanese colonial control from 1910 to 1945.

Kim emphasized the historical and blood ties between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Russia, describing their relationship as a "fundamental cornerstone" driving their "friendship and cooperation."

Kim, accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae and wife Ri Sol-ju, is the third leader to visit the Liberation Tower on Liberation Day since the two nations formalized a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024. This support enabled North Korea to provide military aid to Russia during its conflict with Ukraine. Ju-ae marked her first known appearance attending such an event with her father.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Kim via message, praising the "militant friendship and mutual assistance" between their countries as elevating bilateral relations to an unprecedented high of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He expressed confidence in continued joint efforts on pressing bilateral and international issues, likely referring to growing military cooperation, which includes North Korea's troop deployment to support Russia's war in Ukraine.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also extended greetings to Kim through the KCNA. These developments highlight the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, particularly their expanding military cooperation, which has raised international concerns over North Korea's support for Russia's war in Ukraine.