Kim Jong Un Calls Russia’s War in Ukraine ‘Sacred’ in Putin Birthday Message

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged his “invariable support” for Russia and praised Moscow’s war against Ukraine as a “sacred war of justice” in a birthday message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the deepening military alliance between Pyongyang and the Kremlin. The message was published Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Putin’s 74th birthday – by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “I am pleased to have good friendship with you and open up a new chapter for the development of the relations between our two countries,” Kim wrote, according to KCNA. He said strengthening the “comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance” with Russia remained a firm policy of the North Korean government and pledged continued backing for Putin and the Russian Federation. Kim also said he was convinced that what he called the Russian people’s “sacred war of justice” would end in victory – language Pyongyang has repeatedly used to justify its military support for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. From political support to troops on the battlefield Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have moved far beyond diplomatic declarations since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024, including a mutual defense clause that significantly expanded military cooperation. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Warns of Massive Russian Strike as 3 Tu-160 Bombers Take Off Ukraine’s Air Force said any cruise missiles launched from the bombers would likely reach Ukrainian airspace after 3 a.m. local time, urging people to stay in shelters. North Korea later deployed thousands of soldiers to Russia, particularly to the Kursk region, where they fought alongside Russian forces. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service estimated earlier this year that about 6,000 North Korean troops had been killed or wounded in the war. It also estimated that roughly 10,000 North Korean combat troops and another 1,000 engineering personnel were deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. Separate estimates have put the total number of North Korean soldiers sent to Russia since 2024 at roughly 14,000 to 15,000. In return, Western and South Korean officials have said Moscow has provided Pyongyang with economic assistance, military technology and battlefield experience. Kim stresses personal alliance with Putin Kim’s birthday letter also highlighted the increasingly personal nature of his relationship with Putin. He addressed the Russian leader as his “dearest friend” and closed the message by saying he warmly embraced his “dear comrade,” according to North Korean state media. The wording reflects a relationship that has grown steadily closer as both governments face international sanctions and political isolation from Western states. Kim’s latest message made clear that Pyongyang sees that partnership as long-term rather than temporary. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.