North Korea's Kim calls Putin his 'dearest friend'

Summary

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised Vladimir Putin as his “dearest friend” in a New Year letter, highlighting strengthened ties between Pyongyang and Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Kim expressed readiness for new joint projects and wished for Russia’s victory over “neo-Nazism” in 2025, a veiled reference to the Ukraine war.

Reports indicate North Korea has sent troops to assist Russia, with heavy casualties reported.

Relations between the two nations have deepened politically and militarily, solidified by a 2024 defense pact ensuring mutual military aid in case of attack.