Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a telephone conversation on August 12 ahead of Korea’s 80th Liberation Day. The two leaders exchanged warm congratulations, reflected on shared wartime history, reaffirmed their commitment to the June 2024 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, discussed DPRK’s support in Russia’s Kursk operations, and coordinated ahead of Putin’s upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump, agreeing to maintain direct personal contacts.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks Ahead of Korea’s 80th Liberation Day Anniversary
On August 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un held a detailed telephone conversation, reaffirming the deepening partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. The talks, which come just days ahead of Korea’s 80th Liberation Day on August 15, touched on history, current strategic cooperation, and future diplomatic engagements involving both leaders.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:The Russian president began by warmly congratulating Kim Jong-un on the upcoming national holiday marking Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. This year’s anniversary holds particular symbolic weight as it marks eight decades since the Korean Peninsula broke free from 35 years of Japanese occupation. Putin underscored the historical ties that link Russia and the DPRK, highlighting the contribution of the Soviet Red Army in the defeat of Japanese forces in the closing days of World War II.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:Kim Jong-un, in response, conveyed that the DPRK views August 15 not just as a national holiday but as a shared commemoration with the Russian people. He emphasized the enduring gratitude his nation holds for the role of the Soviet forces in Korea’s liberation, stating that the Red Army’s sacrifice remains a deeply respected part of the country’s historical memory. According to the DPRK leader, this common history continues to serve as a foundation for the present-day relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:Beyond historical reflection, the two leaders discussed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024. The treaty formalized closer political, economic, military, and humanitarian ties between Russia and North Korea, setting the stage for more coordinated action on the global stage. Both Putin and Kim reaffirmed their commitment to advancing these relations in all spheres, from trade and infrastructure to cultural exchanges and defense coordination.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:The conversation also took a notable turn toward recent events on the frontlines of Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. President Putin expressed his gratitude for the DPRK’s support during what he described as the “liberation of the Kursk Region from the invading forces of the Kiev regime.” In his remarks, Putin praised the courage, heroism, and selflessness of DPRK soldiers who, according to the Russian account, had contributed to military operations in the region. While neither side disclosed detailed operational specifics, the acknowledgment by Moscow adds to the growing evidence of deepening military alignment between the two nations.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:In a geopolitical context, this military cooperation carries weight. The DPRK has faced years of international sanctions, limiting its external alliances, while Russia, especially since 2022, has been increasingly isolated from Western markets and institutions. Both nations have found common cause in opposing what they view as US-led dominance in global affairs, and the new strategic treaty is seen as a step toward consolidating a bloc of countries willing to resist Western pressure.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:Another significant element of the call was Putin’s disclosure to Kim Jong-un regarding his upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump. While the Kremlin statement did not elaborate on the specifics, it confirmed that Putin shared information with the North Korean leader in advance of these discussions. The inclusion of this detail suggests that Russia is keeping Pyongyang closely informed of its high-level diplomatic engagements, particularly those involving Washington. This could reflect a shared strategy or, at the very least, a commitment to policy coordination in areas where their interests align.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:The timing of the conversation is also worth noting. North Korea has been gradually re-emerging onto the international scene after years of pandemic-related isolation, using diplomatic channels with Russia and China to counterbalance its strained ties with the United States and South Korea. For Moscow, deepening relations with Pyongyang offers not only a symbolic echo of Soviet-era alliances but also practical benefits, from military cooperation to potential access to North Korean labor and industrial resources in defiance of UN sanctions.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:Both leaders concluded their discussion by agreeing to maintain personal contacts going forward. While this might seem a standard diplomatic phrase, in the case of Russia and North Korea it indicates that communication between the two leaders is likely to remain direct and regular, bypassing slower, more bureaucratic channels. Given the high-profile nature of the June 2024 treaty and the recent military acknowledgments, personal leader-to-leader engagement is expected to play a central role in steering the relationship.
Putin and Kim Jong-un Hold Telephone Talks:The August 15 Liberation Day celebrations in North Korea are likely to carry added diplomatic symbolism this year. Observers expect Moscow to be prominently referenced in official speeches and commemorations, reinforcing the narrative of a shared struggle against imperialism. Similarly, Russia may use the occasion to highlight its historical role in Asia and its current willingness to build alternative alliances outside the Western orbit.
This latest interaction between Putin and Kim fits a broader pattern of strategic realignment in Eurasia. As the United States under President Trump recalibrates its foreign policy priorities, and as China continues to strengthen its position in the region, Russia and North Korea appear intent on carving out a more visible role for themselves. Whether this translates into concrete joint initiatives or remains largely symbolic will depend on the evolving international environment, but the tone of the August 12 call suggests both sides are prepared to actively build on their shared interests.
With shared historical narratives, recent military cooperation, and ongoing strategic coordination, the Russia-DPRK partnership is entering a new phase. The August 12 telephone call was not merely an exchange of pleasantries ahead of a holiday; it was a reaffirmation of a political and military relationship that both sides seem determined to advance, even in the face of global scrutiny.