North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged unwavering support for Russia, emphasizing continued cooperation with Moscow, as reported by North Korea's state media on Tuesday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) cited Kim in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating: "I am fully confident in the victory of the Russian Federation in this sacred war currently underway to defend the country's security interests and international justice."
Kim added, "I pledge to you, dear friend, and to the brotherly Russian people, my steadfast and unwavering support."
The North Korean leader affirmed his country's "firm resolution" to expand and deepen cooperation with Russia comprehensively.
Pyongyang remains one of Moscow's key allies and has reportedly sent troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Analysts suggest that North Korea has received economic benefits and military technology in return.
Last year, South Korea's intelligence agency estimated that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in the war, with recent estimates indicating that the number of North Korean casualties, including both dead and injured, has reached approximately 6,000.
Kim's message comes amid speculations about Pyongyang potentially sending more troops to Russia.
Kyiv had estimated that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be deployed in Russia, though no evidence or timeline has been provided to support this assessment.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on South Korea to supply air defense systems to counter Russian missiles, with no response from Seoul thus far.