According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to fight alongside Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine, launched almost four years ago.
In his message, published Friday by state news agency KCNA, Kim said 2025 was a “truly important year” for the alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, strengthened by “the shed blood, life and death in the same trench.”
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What wishes did Kim Jong Un send to Putin?
What does the union of countries by 'blood, life and death' mean?
How many North Korean soldiers died in combat?
What support did North Korea receive from Russia?
Pyongyang increases missile production
North Korea only confirmed in April that it had sent troops to support Russia's military campaign against Ukraine and that North Korean soldiers had died in combat. Earlier in December, Pyongyang confirmed sending troops to clear mines in Russia's Kursk Oblast, near the border with Ukraine, in August 2025. At least nine soldiers from the engineering regiment died during the 120-day mission, Kim Jong Un admitted in a speech on December 13 after the unit's return.
The North Korean leader sent New Year's greetings to Vladimir Putin a day after ordering an increase in missile production next year. Pyongyang has significantly stepped up missile tests in recent years, which analysts say are aimed at improving precision strike capabilities, challenging the United States and South Korea and testing weapons for export to its Russian ally.
North Korea and Russia have grown closer since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In addition to sending troops to fight on Russia's side, Pyongyang has provided Moscow with artillery shells, missiles and long-range missile systems. In return, Russia sends North Korea financial aid, military technology and food and energy, analysts say.
