North Korea reaffirms ties with Russia on Liberation Day
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Russian President Vladimir Putin bilateral ties are deepening as Pyongyang marked the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Japanese rule.
Source: Channel NewsAsia · August 16, 2026 at 6:57 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceTOKYO, 17 AUGUST 2026 —
KUALA LUMPUR: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed deepening bilateral ties with Russia as Pyongyang marked the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Japanese colonial rule on Aug 15.
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In a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim highlighted the "history of common struggle for justice and precious traditions of friendship" between the two nations, according to state-run KCNA news agency.
The exchange followed Putin’s congratulatory message, which underscored the historical bond forged during World War II when Soviet forces fought against Japan. Putin also pledged continued cooperation "in all sectors." The rapprochement between Pyongyang and Moscow has intensified since North Korea began supplying troops and weapons to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, marking its most significant military involvement since the 1950-53 Korean War.
A Russian naval ship, the Pallada, arrived in Wonsan port on Aug 15 for a goodwill visit tied to the liberation anniversary, greeted by North Korean officials and Russian embassy staff, KCNA reported.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called for dialogue with North Korea during Seoul’s Liberation Day ceremony, urging talks to prevent conflict and replace the armistice with a formal "peace regime." Lee also proposed discussions on curbing Pyongyang’s nuclear program, though North Korea has dismissed such overtures, accusing the U.S. and South Korea of provocations through joint military drills.
The developments come as tensions persist on the Korean Peninsula, with Japan also protesting Putin’s recent visit to a disputed island claimed by Tokyo.