• Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin reaffirm strong ties amid ongoing Ukraine conflict.
• North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to support Russia's military efforts.
• Kim describes their alliance as a "precious common asset" for future generations.
• Both nations exchange praise for their military cooperation and strategic partnership.
• North Korea is ramping up missile production and testing in response to perceived threats.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the shared experiences of "blood, life and death" stemming from their cooperation in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. In his New Year's greeting, Kim emphasized the "precious common asset" of their alliance, stating that it has been strengthened through their joint military involvement, according to Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.

In his letter, Kim described 2025 as a "really meaningful year" for their bilateral ties and characterized their relationship as having "invincibility and might," further asserting that it "will be carried forward forever not only in the present era but also by posterity generation after generation." He expressed pride in the history of DPRK-Russia relations, according to India Times.

Reports indicate that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Ukraine and has acknowledged casualties during their missions. Kim's recognition of North Korean soldiers’ efforts included the deployment of troops to clear landmines in Russia's Kursk region in August 2025, with at least nine soldiers losing their lives during the operation. This escalation aligns with increased missile production orders Kim issued following the troop deployments, which suggest a dual purpose of both deterrence and military support, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The ongoing collaboration emphasizes the strategic partnership as both nations continue to provide military resources to one another. North Korea reportedly has supplied Russia with artillery shells and missile systems, while Russia has reciprocated with financial aid, military technology, and other essential support, underlining the deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.