Kim Jong Un vows unwavering support for Putin, calls Russia’s Ukraine war sacred

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged unwavering support for Russia in a letter addressed to President Vladimir Putin, according to state media. The letter, published by the Korean Central News Agency, calls Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine "sacred." Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has emerged as a vital ally of the Kremlin, contributing troops to support Moscow's military campaign.

In return, North Korea has received economic benefits and access to military technology, according to analysts.

South Korea's spy agency estimated last year that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed in the war, with a more recent assessment suggesting around 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded. In his letter, Kim assured Putin of his "invariable support" and the firm commitment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) to collaborate with Russia comprehensively.

The letter underscores the deepening relationship between the two countries and raises questions about the potential scale of further North Korean involvement in Russia's war effort against Ukraine.