# North Korea-Russia military and diplomatic cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-korea-russia-military-and-diplomatic-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-09-15T00:56:23.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his commitment to deepening military, economic, and cultural cooperation with Russia. In communications following North Korea’s 78th founding anniversary, Kim described Russia’s conflict in Ukraine as a ‘sacred war’ to defend national security and international justice, expressing ‘invariable support’ for President Vladimir Putin. Kim stated the two nations are writing a ‘new chapter in their great alliance history’ based on mutual aid.

This strengthening of ties occurs amid intensifying reports of military cooperation. While Kyiv has suggested that as many as 50,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to bolster Russian efforts, South Korean intelligence estimates indicate that approximately 15,000 combat soldiers and 6,000 engineers have already been sent to Russia since October 2024. Previous assessments from South Korean intelligence estimated that roughly 6,000 North Korean personnel have been killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces.

Beyond military aid, cooperation is expanding through infrastructure projects, such as the opening of a new road bridge over the Tumen River between Rason and Khasan. Kim has also expressed a desire to strengthen ties with China to advance a shared socialist cause.

In a separate development, North Korea announced the death of Yoon Dong-hyun, a high-ranking military official and former Vice Minister of the People's Armed Forces. Yoon was a key figure in the nation’s nuclear and missile development programs and a close aide to Kim Jong Un.

## Claims

- Kim Jong Un pledged to expand and deepen joint cooperation with Russia. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Kim Jong Un described Russia's war in Ukraine as a 'sacred war' to defend national security and international justice. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- Kim Jong Un pledged 'invariable support' to Vladimir Putin and the Russian people. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- Kyiv has reported that as many as 50,000 additional North Korean troops could be dispatched to Russia. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- South Korean intelligence assessments estimated approximately 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded fighting alongside Russian forces. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- South Korean intelligence estimates North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 combat soldiers and 6,000 engineers to Russia since October 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- North Korea and Russia opened a new road bridge over the Tumen River to facilitate cooperation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kim expressed a desire to work with China to advance their shared socialist cause. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: North Korea strengthens ties with Russia amid death of key military official

Kim Jong Un reaffirmed the North Korea-Russia alliance and support for Russia in Ukraine, while North Korea also reported the death of key military official Yoon Dong-hyun.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-korea-strengthens-ties-with-russia-amid-death-of-key-military-official

### 2026-09-14: Kim Jong Un pledges 'invariable support' to Russia in letter to Putin

Kim Jong Un has pledged 'invariable support' to Vladimir Putin, calling Russia's war in Ukraine a 'sacred war' and vowing to deepen military and economic cooperation between the two nations.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kim-jong-un-pledges-to-expand-cooperation-with-russia

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Cite as: North Korea-Russia military and diplomatic cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-korea-russia-military-and-diplomatic-cooperation