Kim Jong Un pledges closer Russia ties, backs Putin's 'sacred war'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to expand bilateral cooperation with Russia, sending a message of support to President Vladimir Putin that was carried by state news agency KCNA on Tuesday.

In his message, Kim committed to "expand and deepen" joint work between Pyongyang and Moscow, signalling a strengthening of relations between the two nations. The statement comes as both countries face significant international pressure and sanctions.

Kim's endorsement of Russia's military objectives as a "sacred war" reflects North Korea's rhetorical backing for Moscow's actions. The Korean peninsula has historically been a focal point of great power competition, and North Korea's alignment with Russia carries implications for regional stability in Northeast Asia.

The exchange underscores the strategic partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow, which have increasingly coordinated diplomatic positions at international forums despite their geographic distance. For Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific region, developments in North Korea's foreign relations remain significant given their potential impact on regional security dynamics.