Kim Jong Un Reaffirms Full Support for Russia on National Day Amid Deepening Alliance

On 12 June 2026, the day Russia commemorates its National Day, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un transmitted a congratulatory message to President Vladimir Putin. The state-run KCNA reported that Kim voiced “full support for Moscow’s domestic and foreign policies,” described the bilateral relationship as evolving “into an alliance based on a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty,” and pledged to “always be with” Russia. The same day, Russian and North Korean officials visited a monument and cemetery honoring fallen Soviet soldiers, and the Russian embassy hosted a reception for senior North Korean delegates.

The Straits TimesReutersKyabram Free PressRussia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military SecretsKorea, EU Condemn North Korea's Support for Russia, Reject Nuclear State StatusKorea, EU Strongly Condemn Illegal Russia-North Korea Military CooperationFrance 24

The alliance traces back to a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed in June 2024 during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang. The agreement included a commitment to construct a land bridge linking the two countries, slated for completion on 19 June 2026. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, North Korea has deployed “thousands of troops” to support Russian operations, a development Washington and Seoul allege involves the transfer of artillery shells, missiles, and other military materiel—claims both Moscow and Pyongyang deny.

Kyabram Free PressReutersThe Straits TimesRussia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military SecretsKorea, EU Condemn North Korea's Support for Russia, Reject Nuclear State StatusKorea, EU Strongly Condemn Illegal Russia-North Korea Military CooperationFrance 24

• June 2024: Strategic partnership treaty signed; land-bridge project agreed.

Kyabram Free Press

• 12 June 2026: Kim’s congratulatory message and alliance affirmation on Russia’s National Day.

The Straits Times

• 19 June 2026 (expected): Completion of the key land bridge facilitating trade and potential sanctions circumvention.

Korea, EU Condemn North Korea's Support for Russia, Reject Nuclear State Status

• “Thousands of troops” dispatched by North Korea to assist Russian forces in Ukraine.

Russia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military Secrets

• “Millions of 152 mm artillery shells and short-range ballistic missiles (KN-23/24)” shipped to Russia.

Russia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military Secrets

• “Thousands of laborers” sent to Russia to address workforce shortages.

Russia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military Secrets

• Land bridge projected to provide a direct overland route for goods, reducing reliance on maritime channels subject to sanctions.

Korea, EU Condemn North Korea's Support for Russia, Reject Nuclear State Status

North Korea’s KCNA framed the message as a reaffirmation of a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” The South Korean government, together with the European Union, issued a joint statement condemning “third-party support that enables Russia to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine, particularly support from North Korea.” Washington officials have publicly accused Pyongyang of supplying weapons, while Russian and North Korean spokespeople have denied any illicit arms transfers.

ReutersKyabram Free PressThe Straits TimesKorea, EU Condemn North Korea's Support for Russia, Reject Nuclear State StatusRussia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military SecretsKorea, EU Strongly Condemn Illegal Russia-North Korea Military CooperationFrance 24

South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung and EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen labeled the military cooperation “illegal” and urged both Moscow and Pyongyang to halt related activities. The joint statement emphasized compliance with the UN Charter, UN Security Council resolutions, and called for a full ceasefire in Ukraine.

Korea, EU Strongly Condemn Illegal Russia-North Korea Military CooperationKorea, EU Condemn North Korea's Support for Russia, Reject Nuclear State StatusThe Straits TimesReutersKyabram Free PressRussia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military SecretsFrance 24

• “always be with” Russia — Kim Jong Un (KCNA)

The Straits Times

• “condemn third-party support that enables Russia to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine, particularly support from North Korea,” — Joint South Korea-EU Statement

Korea, EU Condemn North Korea's Support for Russia, Reject Nuclear State Status

• “strongly condemn the illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.” — Joint South Korea-EU Statement

Korea, EU Condemn North Korea's Support for Russia, Reject Nuclear State Status

• “Specifically, Pyongyang has shipped millions of 152mm artillery shells and short-range ballistic missiles (KN-23/24) to replenish the stockpiles Russia has exhausted in Ukraine.” — National Security Journal

Russia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military Secrets

• “, high-tech blueprints, satellite launch telemetry, advanced nuclear submarine propulsion data, and assistance with ICBM re-entry vehicles.” — National Security Journal

Russia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military Secrets

• Washington and Seoul allege arms transfers; Moscow and Pyongyang deny them.

Reuters

• Precise quantities of troops, weapons, and laborers remain unverified.

Russia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military Secrets

• The land bridge’s operational status as of 19 June 2026 is projected, not confirmed.

Korea, EU Condemn North Korea's Support for Russia, Reject Nuclear State Status

The deepening partnership offers Russia a conduit to bypass sanctions, potentially prolonging its war in Ukraine. For the United States, South Korea, and the EU, the alliance raises concerns about the erosion of existing sanctions regimes, the spread of conflict to Northeast Asia, and the strategic leverage North Korea gains by balancing Chinese economic support with Russian military aid.

Russia Is Quietly Handing North Korea Some of Its Most Dangerous Military Secrets

Monitoring of the land-bridge construction will continue, with expectations of increased overland trade by mid-2026. Diplomatic channels in Washington, Seoul, and Brussels are poised to issue further statements, while intelligence assessments will track the scale of military exchanges between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Kyabram Free Press