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He expressed his readiness to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and wished Russia victory in the current conflict, emphasizing that 2025 should be the year of victory over the “neo-Nazis.” The congratulations were sent on behalf of Kim Jong-un, the people of the DPRK and the country’s armed forces.

Meanwhile, South Korean intelligence (NIS) revealed details of cooperation between North Korea and Russia in the military sphere. According to the service, in September 2024, about 1,500 North Korean troops were sent to Russia through the ports of Chongjin and Hamhung.

Some military personnel were issued fake Russian passports to disguise themselves as members of ethnic minorities such as Buryats and Yakuts. They are undergoing training in barracks near Khabarovsk. There has also been an increase in the number of flights of Russian transport aircraft between Pyongyang and Vladivostok, presumably to transport military personnel and equipment.

These events highlight the growing rapprochement between North Korea and Russia against the backdrop of their confrontation with Western countries. The international community has expressed concern about the growing military-political cooperation between the two countries, which could lead to further escalation of tensions in the region.

On October 5, Kim Jong-un visited one of the special forces of the Korean People’s Army in the Western District. This unit, known for its brutality, has a long history and high combat training.