North Korean leader Kim Jong Un conveyed his unwavering endorsement and unity for Russia in his congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Victory Day, commemorating the 79th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II, as per state news KCNA agency’s report on Thursday.
Russia is observing the triumph of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II today, amid growing tensions with the West due to the escalation of Russian forces against Ukraine’s Western-supported troops.
In his missive to Putin, Kim stated, “I offer steadfast support and solidarity for Russia’s noble cause, with hopes for a flourishing triumph by you, the brave Russian military, and the people in their endeavor to combat the imperialists’ hegemonic ambitions,” as shared by KCNA.
Amid accusations from the U.S. and others regarding North Korea’s alleged weapons transfers to Russia for deployment against Ukraine, which was invaded in February 2022, both Moscow and Pyongyang have refuted such claims while pledging to fortify their military ties last year.
According to a report from United Nations sanctions monitors to a Security Council committee, the debris from a missile landing in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Jan. 2 was identified as originating from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile, as reported by Reuters.
