Putin Says "Kim Jong-un, Come to Russia"... Is North Korea Preparing Military Support for Russia?

Five Days After Returning Home... Putin Sends 'Thank You Letter' to Kim Jong-un
North Korea Publishes Full Text on Front Page of Rodong Sinmun Seen by Residents
Daily Criticism of the U.S., Aiming to Justify Military Support for Russia

North Korea has extensively reported on the message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently visited Pyongyang. The full text of Putin's letter of thanks was published on the front page of the Rodong Sinmun, which is read by the citizens. Notably, since the North Korea-Russia summit elevated their relationship to a quasi-military alliance, North Korea has consistently supported Russia and condemned the United States and Ukraine, raising the possibility of military assistance.

On the 25th, North Korea disclosed the entire content of the "letter of thanks" sent by President Putin to Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong Un through the front page of the Rodong Sinmun and the Korean Central News Agency. President Putin stated, "During our stay in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, I wish to express my most sincere gratitude to you for the excellent reception and heartfelt hospitality extended to me and the Russian delegation." This message was sent five days after leaving Pyongyang.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who succeeded in securing five consecutive terms [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Putin remarked, "This state visit holds special significance as it has elevated the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang to an unprecedentedly high level of comprehensive strategic partnership," adding, "New prospects are unfolding before our two countries to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields."

He continued, "I am pleased that constructive dialogue and close joint efforts are ongoing," emphasizing, "Please remember that you are always a welcome guest on Russian soil." During the summit, Putin had told Chairman Kim that "next time, I hope the meeting will be held in Moscow, Russia."

Putin's letter of thanks was also reported by Russian media such as TASS following its release by the Kremlin the previous day. This can be seen as highlighting the determination to maintain close ties and exchanges between the North Korean and Russian leaders despite repeated concerns from neighboring countries.

North Korea awarded Russian President Vladimir Putin the highest honor, the "Order of Kim Il-sung," on the 19th, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 20th. / Korean Central News Agency [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, following the North Korea-Russia summit, North Korea has been publishing articles in state media defending Russia's position on the Ukraine war. In particular, it is notable that they have been issuing daily condemnations of attacks on Russia using American-made weapons.

On this day, the Korean Central News Agency reported under the headline "Ukrainian Puppets Carry Out Terror Attacks on Peaceful Residents of Russian Territory," mentioning that Ukrainian forces attacked the Crimean Peninsula, occupied by Russia, with American-made ATACMS missiles. The agency claimed, "The Ukrainian puppets, cornered, are resorting to reckless acts of terror," and described it as "a direct product of America's heinous anti-Russian confrontation mania."

The day before, North Korea also used Park Jong Chon, the first-ranked member of the Central Military Commission, to attack the United States. They condemned the U.S. for allowing Ukraine to use its weapons to strike the Russian mainland. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s focus on portraying Russia as threatened by U.S. support is intended to justify potential future military assistance from North Korea to Russia.