North Korean Leader Pledges "Steadfast Support" for Russia

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged "steadfast support" for Russia in a congratulatory message on President Vladimir Putin's birthday, describing Moscow's war in Ukraine as "sacred," according to the official Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday.

Since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022, North Korea has become a key ally of the Kremlin, sending troops to support Moscow's war effort in exchange for economic benefits and military technology.

The South Korean intelligence agency estimated last year that about 2,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in the war, while the latest assessment estimated the number of dead and wounded at around six thousand.

In the message, Kim said according to the official Korean Central News Agency, "I am pleased to have a good friendship with you and to open a new chapter in the development of relations between our two countries."

He added, "I reaffirm my steadfast support for you and the Russian Federation," pointing out that he is "firmly convinced that the holy war being waged by the Russian people... will inevitably end in their victory."

This message comes amid tensions between the South Korean government and Ukraine, after President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed the transfer of two North Korean soldiers who had been captured to the custody of Seoul.

Seoul condemned the revelation, indicating that the operation was supposed to remain confidential, complicating Kyiv's requests for arms supplies.

South Korea has not yet provided lethal weapons to Ukraine due to a domestic ban on providing military assistance to countries engaged in wars.

Zelensky stated that Pyongyang is preparing to send more troops to Russia to support its war effort against Ukraine.