Kim Jong Un thanks Putin for aid, calls South Korea "riffraff"

Kim Jong Un thanked Vladimir Putin for Russia's readiness to provide humanitarian aid to North Korea after the recent floods. Neighbours from the south have also expressed their willingness to help. However, the North Korean dictator referred to Seoul as "riffraff."

"You can always count on our support and assistance," Putin reportedly wrote to Kim. The North Korean leader responded that he "deeply feels exceptional emotions towards a true friend in the most difficult times." He thanked for the offer of support but assured that Pyongyang had independently planned actions following the flood and would seek Moscow's help later if necessary.

Due to heavy rains in northwestern North Korea on July 27, more than 4,000 homes, farmlands, buildings, roads, and railways were flooded. The casualty report is unknown, emphasized the AP agency. Kim only mentioned that the flood caused "unacceptable casualties."

On Thursday, South Korea proposed aid to Pyongyang. Due to tense bilateral relations, experts say Kim will likely reject or ignore this proposal.

On Friday, Kim called South Korea "riffraff" and berated its media, which he described as "trash," for allegedly destroying the image of his country by exaggerating the number of flood fatalities.

The rapprochement between Russia and North Korea occurred against the backdrop of the invasion of Ukraine. The United States and its allies have accused Pyongyang's regime of supplying Russia with ammunition and missiles for the war.