Moscow, Aug 13 (V7N) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his “friendship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his scheduled meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump next Friday (Aug 15).

During a phone call on Tuesday, Putin praised Pyongyang for its military assistance to Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine. The Kremlin said both leaders “reaffirmed their commitment to further developing friendly relations, good relations and cooperation.”

Putin briefed Kim on preparations for the upcoming Alaska summit with Trump, although North Korea’s official statement made no mention of the meeting. The Russian leader again expressed gratitude for “North Korea’s assistance in liberating the Kursk region,” referring to last year’s unexpected Ukrainian offensive there.

This week, Russian forces made new territorial gains in Ukraine, advancing 10 kilometers in a surprise attack near Dobropilia in the east. Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

According to Ukrainian and South Korean sources, at least 10,000 North Korean troops are fighting alongside Russian forces. Pyongyang has also supplied missiles, ammunition, and laborers to support Moscow’s war effort. South Korean intelligence says Russia is increasingly relying on North Korean workers due to manpower shortages caused by combat losses and desertions.

The Putin-Kim discussions highlight deepening military and political cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, as Russia remains largely isolated from the West since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Source: BBC News

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