North Korea and Russia strengthen ties amid global tensions

The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries. According to the North Korean news agency KCNA, the dictator expressed his willingness to further strengthen bilateral ties within the framework of "comprehensive strategic cooperation."

Kim Jong Un sent New Year's wishes to Putin and all Russians. He expressed hope that 2025 will be remembered as a time when "the Russian army and people will overcome neo-Nazism and achieve great victory."

The leaders of both countries have elevated their relations to a new level this year. In June, Kim and Putin signed a mutual defence pact. This document obliges each party to provide assistance in the event of armed aggression.

As part of the cooperation, North Korea has reportedly sent tens of thousands of soldiers to Russia, who are fighting alongside Russians in the Kursk region against Ukrainian forces. According to information from Seoul and Washington, at least a thousand North Korean soldiers have died or been wounded as a result of the military actions.

Meanwhile, in a New Year's message to Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that China and Russia "are walking hand in hand on a just path of non-engagement and avoiding confrontation."

"Regardless of how the international situation develops, China will remain deeply committed to globally deepening its reforms, promoting modernization in the Chinese way, and contributing to world peace," stated Xi in the New Year's message to Putin, as reported by Chinese state television CCTV.

China officially maintains a neutral stance on the conflict in Ukraine, though the U.S. and EU accuse Beijing of supporting Russia. In May, Xi and Putin agreed to deepen cooperation on issues such as Taiwan and Ukraine. According to the Russian ambassador, Xi may visit Russia in 2025.