North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his country’s steadfast support for Russia in an ongoing conflict, describing Moscow’s military campaign as "sacred" in a recent letter to President Vladimir Putin, according to state media. The letter, reported by the Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday, emphasized Pyongyang’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Russia across multiple sectors.

Kim expressed strong backing for Russia’s actions, stating his resolve to secure the victory of what he termed a “sacred war” to protect Russia’s national security and international justice. He pledged "invariable support" to Putin and the Russian people, highlighting the shared interests and close ties between the two governments.

Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, North Korea has emerged as an important ally for Moscow. Analysts suggest that Pyongyang has provided military assistance and economic cooperation, including the dispatch of troops to bolster Russia's forces. South Korean intelligence has estimated substantial North Korean casualties, with around 2,000 soldiers killed last year and more recent assessments indicating that approximately 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded in the conflict.

The timing of Kim’s letter coincides with persistent reports that North Korea may deploy additional military personnel to support Russia’s war effort. Ukrainian officials have claimed that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight alongside Russian forces, though these assertions have not been independently verified, nor have any specific details regarding timing been provided.

The developments underscore the growing military and strategic collaboration between North Korea and Russia amid the protracted conflict in Ukraine, reflecting the evolving geopolitical alignments shaped by the war.