Overview
- In a KCNA-released letter, Kim praised North Korean forces serving abroad for fortifying the alliance with Russia and told them, “Behind you are Pyongyang and Moscow,” urging them to be brave.
- Kim attended a packed New Year celebration at Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium with his daughter Ju Ae and focused his speech on domestic achievements and unity, offering no message to Seoul or Washington.
- Intelligence assessments cited in multiple reports say North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops—roughly 15,000 by some counts—to support Russia in Ukraine, with at least 600 dead and thousands wounded.
- Analysts report Pyongyang is trading personnel and munitions for Russian financial aid, technology, and food and energy supplies, and note Kim’s rhetoric hints at further overseas operations in 2026.
- Official coverage highlighted exchanges with Vladimir Putin and downplayed a greeting from Xi Jinping, underscoring Pyongyang’s emphasis on Moscow as preparations proceed for the Workers’ Party’s 9th Congress.