What did Kim Jong-un say about North Korea-Russia relations in his message to Vladimir Putin?

Kim said he expected a more excellent future in the bilateral ties and described the relationship as one that had carried forward a history of common struggle for justice and precious traditions of friendship. He sent the message after Putin’s congratulatory note for Korea’s liberation anniversary.

Why did Kim Jong-un send a message to Vladimir Putin on Liberation Day?

The message responded to Putin’s congratulatory message marking the 81st anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule. Kim’s remarks were also tied to the growing closeness between the two countries since they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024.

NK leader expects 'more excellent future' in ties with Russia in message to Putin

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Summary

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said he expects a more excellent future in ties with Russia in a message to Vladimir Putin, according to KCNA. Kim made the remarks in response to Putin’s congratulatory message on the 81st anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule. He also said he firmly believed Russia would defend its sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity. The message came as North Korea and Russia have grown closer since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024.

Key Facts

Kim’s message was dated Saturday and was carried by the Korean Central News Agency on Sunday.
The message was sent in response to Putin’s congratulatory note on the 81st anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule.
Kim said the DPRK-Russia ties had carried forward the history of common struggle for justice and precious traditions of friendship.
Kim expressed firm belief that Russia would accomplish the sacred cause of defending its sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity.
Kim visited a memorial commemorating Soviet troops who fought against Japan during World War II on Friday, marking his third visit to the site on Liberation Day.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 16, 2026 10:52 am KST

This file photo, released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 19, 2024, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center right, hugging Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrives in Pyongyang for a state visit. Yonhap

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said he expects a "more excellent future" in his country's ties with Russia in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the North's state media reported Sunday.

Kim voiced the expectations in response to Putin's congratulatory message to mark the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"I am always proud to be able to expect more excellent future of the bilateral relations by leading, together with you, the DPRK-Russia ties that has carried forward the history of common struggle for justice and precious traditions of friendship," Kim said in the message dated Saturday.

DPRK stands for North Korea's official name — the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Kim also expressed his "firm belief" that Russia would accomplish "the sacred cause of defending the sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity of the country" in the message carried by the KCNA.

The message comes as the two countries have forged closer ties since they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024, which laid the groundwork for North Korea's military support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Kim visited a memorial commemorating Soviet troops who fought against Japan during World War II on Friday, marking his third visit to the site on the occasion of Liberation Day.

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