[REVISION HISTORY]

North Korea-Russia military and diplomatic cooperation

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What changed

2026-09-15 04:15 UTC → 2026-09-15 07:18 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~expressed~~ international justice, expressing ‘invariable support’ for President Vladimir ~~Putin, stating~~ Putin. Kim stated the two nations are writing a ‘new chapter in their great alliance ~~history.’~~ 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.

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