North Korea and Russia Forge “Blood and Death” Alliance in New Year Messages

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a New Year’s greeting to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The message described their nations’ bond as an unbreakable alliance. It highlights a significant deepening of diplomatic and military ties between the two nations.

According to reports from North Korean state media, Kim framed the partnership as forged in shared struggle. This exchange comes after a year of intensified cooperation, drawing global attention.

A Message of Unwavering Loyalty and Shared Struggle

Kim’s message used starkly vivid language. He called the DPRK-Russia relationship the “sincerest alliance of sharing blood, life and death in the same trench.” This phrasing underscores a commitment to mutual defense and common cause.

The North Korean leader stated that no outside force could break their unity. He expressed personal pride in writing this history alongside Putin, whom he called his “dearest friend.” This personalization emphasizes the bond between the two leaders.

Kim reaffirmed that North Korea and its people would always stand with Russia. He extended wishes for Putin’s health and success in defending Russian interests. The message was a clear declaration of unwavering political and strategic support.

Deepening Ties Amid International Scrutiny

This public affirmation follows Putin’s own New Year message to Kim weeks prior. Russian state media noted Putin’s praise for North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. He reportedly said their participation proved the “invincible friendship” between the countries.

The mutual greetings signal a consolidated front against Western pressure. Both nations face extensive international sanctions. Their strengthened partnership offers mutual economic and military benefits, altering strategic calculations in Northeast Asia and Europe.

Analysts view the rhetoric as more than mere diplomatic formality. It cements a visible, high-level alignment. This evolving axis presents new challenges for global diplomacy and security frameworks.

The exchange of New Year’s messages between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin solidifies a powerful political and military partnership. This “blood and death” alliance is poised to reshape geopolitical dynamics for the foreseeable future.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Kim Jong Un say in his New Year message to Putin?

Kim Jong Un described the North Korea-Russia bond as a “sincerest alliance of sharing blood, life and death.” He emphasized unbreakable unity and mutual support between the two nations and their peoples.

How did Vladimir Putin respond to Kim Jong Un?

President Putin sent his own New Year greeting to Kim in mid-December. He stated that 2025 held special meaning for their relations and praised North Korean soldiers for their role in Russia’s Kursk region.

Why is this alliance significant now?

Both countries face severe international isolation and sanctions. Their strengthened partnership provides mutual military and economic support, creating a new strategic axis that challenges existing global power structures.

What does “sharing blood, life and death” mean?

The phrase signifies a total commitment to mutual defense. It suggests an alliance where both parties are pledged to support each other through any conflict or struggle, regardless of the cost.

Which media reported on these messages?

The messages were reported by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and Russian state media outlets like TASS. Details were widely picked up by international news wires.