As Putin prepares for his upcoming meeting with Trump in Alaska on Friday, he received an update from Kim on preparations and reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering ties during a phone call. This interaction occurs amidst reports revealing the "slave-like" conditions endured by thousands of North Korean workers sent to Russia for construction endeavors.

Putin praised the military assistance from North Korea, acknowledging its role during the territorial disputes in Russia's Kursk region following a previous Ukrainian offensive. Ties between Moscow and Pyongyang continue to evolve, with at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly supporting Russian forces, marking a historic collaboration amid Russia's ongoing isolation from Western nations.

North Korea has supplied Russia with various military resources while also providing laborers at a time when Russian manpower is strained due to the war's casualties. Reports from South Korean intelligence indicate Russia's increasing dependency on this workforce as they confront challenges on the battlefield.

This evolving situation not only highlights the dynamics of international relations but also raises concerns about the humanitarian implications for North Korean workers affected by these developments.