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 ever military parades, which marked 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Asia.
Putin, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, said bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea are friendly and that Pyongyang's military helped to liberate the Kursk region.
Your soldiers fought courageously and heroically, Putin told Kim during Wednesday's talks. I would like to note that we will never forget the sacrifices that your armed forces and the families of your servicemen have suffered.
Kim expressed his gratitude for the Russian leader's acknowledgment of North Korea's troops and said bilateral relations between the two countries had been 'advancing across all areas' - referencing Pyongyang's involvement in the 'joint struggle' with Russia in Ukraine.
If there is any way we can assist Russia, we will certainly do it as a fraternal duty.
According to South Korea, the North has sent some 15,000 troops to aid Russia in its invasion, along with missiles and long-range weapons. In return, it is believed North Korea received food, money and technical help.
These soldiers have been involved in Moscow's efforts to recapture parts of western Kursk - where Ukrainians are defending a small area of territory captured during a surprise incursion in August - and are thought to have sustained heavy losses. Western officials reported that at least 1,000 have died in just three months. Seoul lawmakers believe there were approximately 4,700 North Korean casualties, including 600 deaths, among the total deployment of 15,000.
Pyongyang first publicly acknowledged sending troops to Russia in April, following large-scale troop movements from North Korea to the Russian-Ukrainian frontline. In addition to soldiers, North Korea also promised to send thousands of workers to assist in rebuilding Russia's war-torn Kursk region.
During a recent ceremony, Kim met families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, pledging to build a monument in their honour and to support their children.}
The two leaders met on Wednesday in Beijing as China held one of its largest ever military parades, which marked 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Asia.
Putin, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, said bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea are friendly and that Pyongyang's military helped to liberate the Kursk region.
Your soldiers fought courageously and heroically, Putin told Kim during Wednesday's talks. I would like to note that we will never forget the sacrifices that your armed forces and the families of your servicemen have suffered.
Kim expressed his gratitude for the Russian leader's acknowledgment of North Korea's troops and said bilateral relations between the two countries had been 'advancing across all areas' - referencing Pyongyang's involvement in the 'joint struggle' with Russia in Ukraine.
If there is any way we can assist Russia, we will certainly do it as a fraternal duty.
According to South Korea, the North has sent some 15,000 troops to aid Russia in its invasion, along with missiles and long-range weapons. In return, it is believed North Korea received food, money and technical help.
These soldiers have been involved in Moscow's efforts to recapture parts of western Kursk - where Ukrainians are defending a small area of territory captured during a surprise incursion in August - and are thought to have sustained heavy losses. Western officials reported that at least 1,000 have died in just three months. Seoul lawmakers believe there were approximately 4,700 North Korean casualties, including 600 deaths, among the total deployment of 15,000.
Pyongyang first publicly acknowledged sending troops to Russia in April, following large-scale troop movements from North Korea to the Russian-Ukrainian frontline. In addition to soldiers, North Korea also promised to send thousands of workers to assist in rebuilding Russia's war-torn Kursk region.
During a recent ceremony, Kim met families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, pledging to build a monument in their honour and to support their children.}
