Pyongyang, Dec 31 (V7N) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has extended warm New Year's greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to him as his "closest friend" and "comrade" in a letter that underscores the deepening ties between the two nations.

According to North Korea's state news agency, Kim praised the growing political, military, and cultural relationship between North Korea and Russia, which has strengthened significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Kim highlighted the historic military agreement signed during Putin's visit to North Korea in June 2024, a pact that obliges mutual military assistance in the event of an attack on either country. The agreement marked a significant milestone in the alliance between the two nations.

In his letter, Kim expressed confidence in Russia's ability to achieve victory in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, stating his hope that 2025 would bring a "great triumph" for the Russian military and people, defeating what he termed "neo-Nazism."

The message reflects the continued solidarity between North Korea and Russia amid international sanctions and criticism, as both nations face growing isolation on the global stage.

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