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Kim Jong Un pledges 'invariable support' to Russia in letter to Putin
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged 'invariable support' to Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a 'sacred war' to defend national security and international justice. In a formal message sent to Putin following North Korea's 78th founding anniversary, Kim expressed a firm commitment to expanding and deepening comprehensive joint work with the Russian Federation based on their existing alliance and mutual aid.
The strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow include significant military and economic cooperation. North Korea has reportedly supplied weapons and troops to support Russian forces, while receiving economic assistance and military technology in return. South Korean intelligence estimates that since October 2024, North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 combat soldiers and 6,000 engineers to Russia. Recent assessments suggest that roughly 6,000 North Korean personnel have been killed or wounded in the conflict.
Speculation regarding further military involvement remains high. Ukrainian officials have suggested that North Korea could potentially deploy as many as 50,000 additional troops to Russian territory. To facilitate increased cooperation, the two nations recently inaugurated a new road bridge over the Tumen River, connecting Rason in North Korea to Khasan in Russia.
Entities
Kim Jong Un · North Korea · Russia · Ukraine · Vladimir Putin · Xi Jinping
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 15 SOURCES] Kim Jong Un described Russia's war in Ukraine as a 'sacred war' to defend national security and international justice. www.perthnow.com.au · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.kyivpost.com · www.ziarulnational.md · lavozdelprm.org · +10 more
- [● 15 SOURCES] Kim Jong Un pledged 'invariable support' to Vladimir Putin and the Russian people. www.perthnow.com.au · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.kyivpost.com · www.ziarulnational.md · lavozdelprm.org · +10 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Kyiv has reported that as many as 50,000 additional North Korean troops could be dispatched to Russia. www.kyivpost.com · www.ziarulnational.md · lavozdelprm.org · jornaldebrasilia.com.br · jovempan.com.br · +4 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kim expressed a desire to work with China to advance their shared socialist cause. www.perthnow.com.au · ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] South Korean intelligence assessments estimated approximately 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded fighting alongside Russian forces. www.kyivpost.com · www.ziarulnational.md · lavozdelprm.org · jornaldebrasilia.com.br · jovempan.com.br · +1 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] Kim Jong Un pledged to expand and deepen joint cooperation with Russia. www.perthnow.com.au · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.kyivpost.com · www.ziarulnational.md · bhaskarlive.in · +14 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] North Korea and Russia opened a new road bridge over the Tumen River to facilitate cooperation. bhaskarlive.in · www.socialnews.xyz · stirileprotv.ro
- [● 3 SOURCES] South Korean intelligence estimates North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 combat soldiers and 6,000 engineers to Russia since October 2024. xeu.mx · www.correiodamanhacanada.com · sapo.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kim Jong Un expressed a desire to work with China to advance their shared socialist cause. www.perthnow.com.au · ca.news.yahoo.com