Russia's Vladimir Putin has thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the courage of his soldiers who have been fighting in Ukraine on the Russian side.
Kim, in response, said he was willing to do everything I can to assist Russia.
The two leaders met on Wednesday in Beijing as China held one of its largest military parades, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Asia.
Putin, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, stated that bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea are friendly and that Pyongyang's military has helped liberate the Kursk region.
Your soldiers fought courageously and heroically, Putin emphasized to Kim during their talks.
Kim expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment of North Korea's troops and mentioned that relations were advancing across various sectors, reflecting Pyongyang’s support in the conflict alongside Russia.
According to South Korean intelligence, North Korea has dispatched approximately 15,000 troops, along with missiles and long-range weaponry, to aid Russia. In exchange, it is believed that North Korea has received food, financial assistance, and technical support.
These North Korean forces have participated in Moscow's attempts to reclaim parts of western Kursk, sustaining significant casualties in the process.
Official estimates suggest that out of the initial deployment, around 4,700 North Korean soldiers were reported as casualties, with 600 confirmed dead.
The meeting in Beijing is indicative of the growing cooperation between the two nations, bolstered by a treaty they signed last June, pledging mutual support in the event of aggression against either nation.
In a recent ceremony, Kim met with families of soldiers who died fighting in the conflict, vowing to honor their sacrifices and support their bereaved families.
