Kim Jong-un Hails 'Invincible Alliance' with Russia in New Year's Message

Kim Jong-un's New Year's Address

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivered a significant New Year's message on January 1, 2026, praising his nation's 'invincible alliance' with the Russian Federation. In his address, broadcast by state media, Kim extended congratulations to North Korean troops engaged in combat in an 'alien land,' a clear reference to Ukraine, where they are supporting Russia's ongoing invasion. He lauded their 'heroic' defense of the nation's honor and urged them to 'be brave,' stating, 'Behind you are Pyongyang and Moscow.'

Deepening Strategic Partnership

The alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow has significantly deepened, evolving from historical cooperation into an active military partnership. This was underscored by the signing of a mutual defense treaty in June 2024 between Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This treaty stipulates that North Korea and Russia 'shall immediately provide military and other assistance' if either party 'falls into a state of war due to armed invasion.' Analysts suggest that this deepening alliance provides an economic lifeline to Kim's regime, allowing it to rebuff overtures for dialogue from the United States and South Korea. In return for its military support, North Korea is reportedly receiving financial aid, military technology, and supplies such as food and energy from Russia.

North Korean Troops in Ukraine

According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to support Russia's nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. Estimates suggest that over 10,000, and potentially more than 11,000, North Korean soldiers have been deployed. The conditions for these troops are reportedly grim, with South Korean estimates indicating at least 600 deaths and thousands more injuries among North Korean personnel. Reports from South Korea's intelligence service also suggest that North Korean soldiers have been ordered to commit suicide rather than be taken prisoner. Two North Korean prisoners of war, captured by Kyiv in January 2025 after sustaining battlefield injuries, have reportedly expressed a desire to defect to South Korea.

Future Outlook and International Implications

Kim Jong-un's New Year's message hinted at further overseas action, highlighting 'remarkable feats you will perform on the overseas battlefields' in the coming year. This suggests a continued and potentially expanded role for North Korean forces in international conflicts, particularly in support of Russia. The military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has been described as 'battle-tested' and poses a significant threat to the United States and its national interests in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The alliance challenges traditional Western-led international systems and creates new dynamics in global security.