Story perspectives

North Korea’s Kim Congratulates Putin on Victory Day, Emphasizes Partnership

5/10/2026

Summary

Kim Jong-un Congratulates Putin

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory message to President Vladimir Putin on May 9, the 81st Victory Day.
He called Putin “dearest comrade,” “respected comrade Putin,” and “dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,” wishing victory for Russia.
The message highlighted expanded cooperation since the 2024 Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
North Korea was not listed among Victory Day ceremony participants.
Kim Jong-un did not attend the ceremony.

Summary

North Korea Marches

North Korean soldiers marched in uniform with rifles during Russia’s Victory Day parade, a first appearance.
Troops carried the North Korean flag and banners reading “Eternal Prosperity for the Motherland,” reinforcing the alliance.
TASS posted a 26-second video of the march on X, while Ambassador Shin Hong-chul applauded.
The display follows the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, with 2026 estimates put roughly 9,500 North Korean personnel in Russia and Ukraine.

Summary

Kim Jong-un Prioritizes Partnership

Kim Jong Un told President Vladimir Putin that North Korea will give top priority to the partnership under the 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.
The Korean Central News Agency said about 14,000 North Korean troops fought on the Kursk front, with South Korean, Ukrainian and Western officials reporting over 6,000 killed.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day cease-fire from May 9 to May 11, which Russia and Ukraine confirmed on May 8.

History

Historical Context

After the Soviet Union installed Kim Il Sung and signed a 1961 Treaty of Friendship with North Korea, Moscow supplied advisors and arms throughout the Cold War. The partnership revived when Pyongyang recognized Donetsk and Luhansk republics in 2022 and, in June 2024, signed a Strategic Partnership, prompting Kim Jong-un’s May 9 message to President Vladimir Putin and the deployment of North Korean troops in Moscow.

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Kim Jong-un Congratulates Putin

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory message to President Vladimir Putin on May 9, the 81st Victory Day.
He called Putin “dearest comrade,” “respected comrade Putin,” and “dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,” wishing victory for Russia.
The message highlighted expanded cooperation since the 2024 Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
North Korea was not listed among Victory Day ceremony participants.
Kim Jong-un did not attend the ceremony.

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