North Korean leader Kim Jong-un conveyed his congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia’s 81st Victory Day celebration, emphasizing Pyongyang’s commitment to enhancing relations with Moscow. Kim expressed satisfaction with the shared history of independence, dignity, peace, and prosperity between the two nations. He reiterated the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s dedication to prioritizing and advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, as per the North’s official news agency.
In 2024, Kim and Putin signed a treaty establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a resurgence of their Cold War-era military alliance. Following the agreement, Pyongyang dispatched approximately 15,000 troops to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine and bolstered cooperation across various sectors, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Victory Day, a significant national holiday in Russia, sees the closure of public offices, schools, and most businesses for celebratory events. The occasion commemorates Germany’s surrender to the Soviet Union in 1945, signifying the end of the Great Patriotic War for the USSR. Initially not a major holiday, Victory Day gained prominence after its 20th anniversary in 1965, with military parades becoming a tradition from 1995 onwards.
