Kim Jong Un Calls Relationship with Russia "Indestructible and Genuine"
Jun 12
1 min read
News Summary
Kim Jong Un praised the relationship between North Korea and Russia as an "indestructible and genuine" alliance rooted in military camaraderie, especially strengthened during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In a message to President Vladimir Putin for Russia Day, Kim reaffirmed his commitment to deepening bilateral ties and pledged North Korea’s support for Russia.
His remarks come just before the first anniversary of a mutual defense treaty signed last year, which obligates both nations to provide immediate military assistance if attacked.
Commentary
Kim Jong Un’s declaration of an “indestructible and genuine” alliance with Russia underscores his growing dependence on Moscow as a lifeline for regime survival.
After the collapse of the 2019 Hanoi summit with President Trump, Kim realized that even with the support of a pro-North South Korean administration, he could not sway Washington. He came to understand that the U.S. could not—or would not—give him what he wanted.
Now, Kim has gone all-in with Putin. A recent report revealed that North Korean diplomats at the U.N. mission in New York even “bluntly” refused to accept Trump's letter to Kim—an open signal of Pyongyang’s pivot away from diplomacy with the U.S.
But as the war in Ukraine drags on, Kim must sacrifice even more young North Koreans for a foreign war in a desperate attempt to secure his grip on power.
Kim may receive temporary relief from Russia, but he is losing something far more critical: the credibility and trust of his own people—especially his soldiers and their families.
