In the lead-up to critical talks with Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his "friendship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This comes as conditions for thousands of North Korean workers sent to Russia have been described as "slave-like". During their conversation, Putin lauded North Korea’s military contributions to Russia's efforts in Ukraine, where recent advances near Dobropillia have been significant.
The Kremlin reported that both leaders underscored their commitment to nurturing their cooperative relationship. Putin also briefed Kim on preparations for the upcoming summit in Alaska with Trump, although this aspect was notably absent from North Korea's official statement.
Following a brief incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russia's Kursk region last year, Putin commended North Korea's role in supporting Russian military operations in that context. The war in Ukraine has seen the unique collaboration between the nations intensify, as more than 10,000 North Korean troops have reportedly joined the Russian fight, alongside the provision of military resources from Pyongyang.
As Russia faces isolation from the West, the reliance on North Korean workers is growing, with many Russian men engaged in the conflict or having fled, further fueling the partnership amidst ongoing global tensions.
The Kremlin reported that both leaders underscored their commitment to nurturing their cooperative relationship. Putin also briefed Kim on preparations for the upcoming summit in Alaska with Trump, although this aspect was notably absent from North Korea's official statement.
Following a brief incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russia's Kursk region last year, Putin commended North Korea's role in supporting Russian military operations in that context. The war in Ukraine has seen the unique collaboration between the nations intensify, as more than 10,000 North Korean troops have reportedly joined the Russian fight, alongside the provision of military resources from Pyongyang.
As Russia faces isolation from the West, the reliance on North Korean workers is growing, with many Russian men engaged in the conflict or having fled, further fueling the partnership amidst ongoing global tensions.
