North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a birthday greeting to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demonstrating friendliness at a time when the two nations were closer than ever and getting stronger together.
Kim’s letter, posted by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, addresses Putin as “my closest comrade” and extends “sincere and warm congratulations” on his 72nd birthday.
“You have made remarkable successes in the course of resolutely defending the sovereignty, security, development and interests of the country and building powerful Russia with energetic and wise leadership with your heavy and sacred duty for the prosperity of Russia and promotion of the wellbeing of the Russian people for a long time and thus enjoy boundless trust and support by the Russian people,” Kim wrote.
“I believe you will as ever lead great Russia only to the road of victory and honour full of vigour. Availing myself of this opportunity, I reaffirm our full and disinterested support and solidarity with the just cause of the army and people of Russia,” the birthday message added.
Kim Jong-un has emerged as one of Putin’s primary friends since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Putin predicted a quick victory, but his forces have been severely weakened as the Ukrainians fight back with modern equipment given by Western partners.
Meanwhile, the West has imposed harsh sanctions on Russia, making it more difficult to acquire military gear and supplies, as well as the components required to manufacture them.
The Russian army has deployed Iranian-designed drones and missiles in Ukraine, but sources suggest it has also relied on North Korean assistance. The United States claims that North Korea sent over 16,000 shipping containers containing munitions to Russia.
Germany’s top defence officer stated that the transfers are likely to keep Russian domestic inventories up while produced weapons are transferred to Ukraine.
