Putin and Kim: An indomitable friendship and a strategic partnership that is changing the balance of power
In a move underscoring the profound geopolitical shifts underway globally, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the strength of Moscow's ties with Pyongyang, describing them as an "invincible friendship." This came in an official New Year's message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media reports on Thursday, highlighting an unprecedented level of military and political coordination between the two countries.
Brotherly struggle in the field
In his message, Putin explicitly praised the role of North Korean soldiers in supporting the Russian war effort against Ukraine. The Russian president asserted that their participation demonstrated a true "struggle brotherhood," referring to what he described as the "heroic entry" of Korean People's Army soldiers into the battles in the Kursk region, as well as the engineering and logistical support they provided on Russian soil.
Western and South Korean intelligence agencies estimate that Pyongyang sent more than 10,000 troops to Russia during 2024, along with huge shipments of ammunition and long-range missile systems, providing a significant boost to the Russian arsenal in the ongoing war of attrition.
Historical background and upward trajectory of cooperation
This rapprochement cannot be read in isolation from the historical and political context. Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang, which were close during the Soviet era, cooled after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but they regained tremendous strategic momentum following the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022. This path culminated in the signing of the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty” during Putin’s historic visit to Pyongyang last June.
In his message, Putin emphasized that the provisions of this historic treaty have been implemented thanks to joint efforts. It is worth noting that the agreement includes a crucial clause on mutual defense, obligating each party to provide immediate military assistance by all available means in the event of armed aggression against the other party—a provision reminiscent of Cold War-era alliances.
Regional and international repercussions and a shift in the balance of power
Observers believe this alliance has implications that extend beyond Ukraine; it represents a direct challenge to the Western-led world order. Putin emphasized in his message that strong relations between the two countries "will contribute to establishing a just multipolar world order.".
Regionally, this cooperation is causing great concern in South Korea and Japan, where it is feared that North Korea will in return acquire advanced Russian military technology for its missile and nuclear programs, thus upsetting the balance of power in East Asia.
The human cost and reactions
Despite the official celebrations, the war has exacted a heavy toll; intelligence assessments in Seoul indicate that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers have died in Russia. In a rare display of solidarity, state media released photos of leader Kim Jong Un consoling the families of fallen soldiers, speaking of “unbearable pain,” and embracing a returning soldier.
In response, South Korea, under former President Yun Suk-yeol, hinted at the possibility of revising its policy of prohibiting the supply of lethal weapons to conflict zones, indicating the potential for military support to Kyiv in response to North Korean intervention—a move that could further complicate the international landscape if it were to materialize.
