North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has used his New Year's address to publicly laud his nation's deepening military partnership with Russia, hailing it as an "invincible alliance." The speech, delivered at a lavish concert in Pyongyang, offered rare official praise for North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russia's war in Ukraine.
A Message to Troops in an 'Alien Land'
In his remarks, broadcast by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim directly addressed troops fighting abroad. He praised their "heroic" defence of national honour and instructed them to "be brave," stating he missed them while the homeland celebrated. "Behind you are Pyongyang and Moscow," Kim declared, urging them to fight "for the fraternal Russian people." He also hinted at expanded overseas military action this year, referencing "remarkable feats" to come on foreign battlefields.
The Grim Reality of the Alliance
This public endorsement comes as South Korean and Western intelligence agencies confirm that Pyongyang has sent thousands of soldiers to aid Russia's nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. The human cost for North Korea is significant, with South Korean estimates suggesting at least 600 fatalities and thousands more injuries among its forces. Analysts state that in return for this support, North Korea is receiving crucial financial aid, military technology, and supplies of food and energy from Russia, providing an economic lifeline to Kim's isolated regime.
However, first-hand accounts reveal a harrowing situation for the deployed troops. Reports from South Korea's intelligence service and captured North Korean soldiers indicate that personnel have been ordered to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoner. Two such soldiers, captured by Ukraine in January 2025, have reportedly expressed a desire to defect to South Korea.
Domestic Show and Strategic Implications
The New Year's message was delivered at a grand performance at Pyongyang's May Day stadium. Official images showed Kim accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and his daughter, Ju Ae, who is widely believed to be his political heir. The strengthening bond with Moscow has strategically empowered Kim, allowing him to rebuff recent diplomatic overtures from the United States and South Korea. This evolving alliance marks a significant shift in the regional security landscape, with North Korea gaining resources and patronage in exchange for its direct military involvement in Europe's most devastating conflict in decades.
