Overview

• North Korean state media published Kim Jong-un’s note to Vladimir Putin calling their alliance “invariable” and vowing full support for Russia’s defense of its sovereignty and security interests.
• Kim framed the pledge as fidelity to the DPRK–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty signed in June 2024.
• South Korea’s intelligence agency reports roughly 14,000–15,000 North Korean troops and weapons have been sent to support Russia since late 2024.
• Kim and Putin last met on Sept. 3 in Beijing, where they reaffirmed plans to further elevate political, military, and economic cooperation.
• Reports describe talks on additional deployments, possible mine‑clearing roles, and a lawmaker’s claim of early‑stage nuclear‑submarine construction, all of which remain unconfirmed.