Kim Jong Un reaffirms ties with Russia amid independence celebrations
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed the deepening of ties with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin as Pyongyang marked the anniversary of independence from Japan’s colonial rule, reports BritPanorama.
In response to a congratulatory message from Putin commemorating Saturday’s 81st anniversary of Tokyo’s surrender in World War Two, Kim reflected on the historical bond formed during the conflict. Putin emphasized that the cooperation between the two nations would persist “in all the sectors.”
Kim expressed optimism regarding the future of the bilateral relationship, stating it had “carried forward the history of common struggle for justice and precious traditions of friendship.”
Relations between Pyongyang and Moscow have intensified, particularly after North Korea began deploying troops and weapons to support Russia’s war against Ukraine—marking its most substantial military engagement since the Korean War. The Russian ship Pallada docked at Wonsan port on Saturday for a goodwill visit, coinciding with the liberation anniversary, where it was welcomed by North Korean officials and Russian embassy staff, according to KCNA.
In contrast, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for dialogue with North Korea, advocating for peaceful coexistence at the Liberation Day ceremony. Lee urged for safeguards to prevent conflict and suggested discussions to establish a “peace regime” to replace the existing armistice.
The South Korean leader proposed formal talks to end the 1950-1953 Korean War, which currently exists as a ceasefire without a peace treaty, aiming to address ways to curb North Korea’s nuclear program.
However, Pyongyang has dismissed Lee’s proposals, condemning U.S.-South Korean military exercises as provocations.
In a related context, Putin’s recent visit to an island claimed by Japan drew condemnation from Tokyo, further illustrating the complexities in regional geopolitics.
