{
  "id": 1170488,
  "title": "North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has responded to a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Korea's Liberation Day, calling him a \"friendly friend\" and expressing support for Russia's actions in Ukraine.\n\nKim sent the message on August 15, which marks the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.\n\nIn his message, Putin congratulated Kim and the people of North Korea on the occasion, saying that Russia values its relations with North Korea.\n\nKim responded by saying that he treasures the \"comradely friendship\" with Putin and considers him a \"friendly friend\".\n\nKim also expressed his support for Russia's actions in Ukraine, saying that he highly appreciates Russia's \"consistent and unwavering\" stance on protecting its sovereignty and security.\n\nThe exchange of messages comes as North Korea has been strengthening its ties with Russia, while trying to expand its diplomatic outreach amid international isolation over its nuclear and missile programs.\n\nNorth Korea has so far maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine issue, but its support for Russia is seen as a way to strengthen its alliance with Moscow.\n\nThe two countries have been cooperating on various issues, including trade and defense, and have also been exchanging high-level visits.\n\nIn July, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang, where he and North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun-nam agreed to strengthen military cooperation.\n\nThe visit was seen as a significant development in the two countries' relations, which have been growing closer in recent years.\n\nNorth Korea has been facing increasing international pressure over its nuclear and missile programs, and has been seeking to strengthen its alliances with countries like Russia and China.\n\nThe country has conducted several missile tests this year, including an intercontinental ballistic missile test in July.\n\nThe tests have been condemned by the international community, and have led to increased tensions in the region.\n\nDespite the international pressure, North Korea has continued to pursue its nuclear and missile programs, citing the need for self-defense.\n\nThe country's leader Kim Jong-un has said that the development of the country's nuclear capabilities is a top priority.\n\nKim has also said that the country will continue to take steps to strengthen its defense capabilities, including the development of new missiles and other military technologies.\n\nThe situation in North Korea remains a major concern for the international community, with many countries calling for the country to abandon its nuclear and missile programs.\n\nHowever, North Korea has so far refused to engage in talks on denuclearization, saying that it will not abandon its nuclear program unless the United States and other countries lift their sanctions.\n\nThe standoff over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs continues, with no clear resolution in sight.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/story-1170488",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T00:08:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hankyoreh",
    "slug": "hankyoreh",
    "url": "https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/politics_general/1273086.html"
  },
  "original_language": "ko",
  "account": null,
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}