• Putin thanks Kim for North Korean soldiers' support in the Ukraine conflict.
• Kim pledges full assistance to Russia as a "fraternal duty."
• About 15,000 North Korean troops are estimated to have been deployed to aid in the Ukraine war.
• The meeting occurred during China's 80th-anniversary military parade marking WWII's end.
• Both leaders reaffirmed the strengthening of military and strategic ties between their countries.

In a bilateral meeting in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin commended North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the contributions of North Korean soldiers in the conflict in Ukraine. Putin stated, "At your initiative, as is well known, your special units took part in the liberation of the Kursk region," praising the soldiers for their courageous actions during the conflict, according to Newsweek and Channel News Asia.

The meeting, coinciding with China's military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, highlighted the collaborative defense efforts between the two nations. Kim expressed North Korea's intent to provide continuous support for Russia as a "fraternal duty," further solidifying their alliance, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

Putin has made it clear that the ties between Russia and North Korea have reached a new strategic level, especially following the recent signing of a mutual defense treaty. The treaty obligates both nations to assist each other in times of conflict, as emphasized by Putin in their discussions. Reports indicate that as many as 15,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to assist Russian forces, contributing to significant casualties among them, with estimates from South Korea suggesting around 2,000 deaths, according to India Times and Reuters.

The invigorated military partnership has come as North Korea deepens its relationship with Russia amid changing global dynamics. Both leaders expressed commitment to strengthening their cooperation, with Kim emphasizing North Korea's readiness for further collaboration as the geopolitical landscape evolves, as noted by South China Morning Post and Reuters.

As the talks concluded, the leaders were seen engaging warmly, signifying strengthened bilateral relations, which may pose broader implications for international relations, following the military event attended by both leaders and China's Xi Jinping, according to TRT Global and India Times.