Putin and Kim Align Before Trump–Putin Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to brief him on the upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. The call took place three days before the summit, which is expected to focus on potential steps toward a ceasefire in Ukraine. Putin outlined the planned agenda and reaffirmed the importance of Moscow–Pyongyang cooperation.
Mutual Praise and Military Ties
During the conversation, Putin expressed gratitude for North Korea’s military support, particularly in the Kursk region. He commended the bravery and commitment of North Korean troops. Kim pledged full backing for Russia’s future actions and reiterated the strength of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Expanding Strategic Alliance
Both leaders emphasized their intention to deepen political, military, and diplomatic collaboration. Kim highlighted North Korea’s unwavering alignment with Russia, signaling that their partnership will remain firm despite global tensions and Western sanctions.
Troop Deployments and Support
Intelligence assessments suggest over 10,000 North Korean troops have already been deployed to western Russia, with discussions ongoing about further personnel or labor deployments. This development underscores the growing scale of cooperation between the two countries beyond political declarations.
