Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that his country’s relationship with North Korea is progressing "according to plan" during his meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui at the Kremlin on Monday. This move reaffirms the alliance between the two nations amid pressure from Western countries, including the United States (US) and its allies.

“The relationship between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is actively developing, consistent with the plans we have agreed upon,” said Putin, as quoted by the Russian news agency TASS on Tuesday (28/10/2025).

During the meeting, Choe conveyed a personal message from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and highlighted the political and spiritual closeness between Moscow and Pyongyang, which she said has grown stronger under Western pressure.

The visit is part of an intensive diplomatic exchange between the two countries, following Kim Jong Un’s promise to enhance military cooperation with Russia.

Military Relations Strengthen

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, military relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have grown rapidly. In 2024, the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement that includes commitments to provide military assistance to one another if either is attacked.

According to South Korean intelligence reports, thousands of North Korean soldiers have been deployed to the battlefield in Ukraine, with over 600 reported killed. Putin openly praised the heroic role of North Korean forces in assisting Russian troops in reclaiming the Kursk region.

Washington has accused Russia of reciprocating this support with advanced technological assistance, including in space and satellite systems. Meanwhile, Ukraine claims to have found fragments of North Korean-made missiles on the frontlines.

"Closest Comrade"

The close relationship between Russia and North Korea is not new. Since the Soviet era, Moscow has been a key supporter of Pyongyang, including during the Korean War.

In 2022, North Korea was one of only five UN member states to oppose the resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kim Jong Un even referred to Putin as his "closest comrade" in last year’s birthday message.

“Russia and North Korea share mutual understanding in their struggle against hegemony and external pressure,” said Andrei Lankov, an international relations analyst at Moscow University, as cited by RIA Novosti.

Beyond military cooperation, economic and tourism ties are also beginning to grow. The two countries recently constructed the first road bridge connecting their territories. In July, direct commercial flights between Moscow and Pyongyang were officially launched.

North Korea has even opened a new tourist area on its eastern coast, now welcoming Russian visitors.