Vladimir Putin thanks Kim Jong UN for the fight against the North Koreans in Ukraine

Russian Vladimir Putin thanked the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the courage of his soldiers who fought in Ukraine on the Russian side.

Kim, in response, said he was ready to do “all I can to help” Russia.

Both leaders met in Beijing on Wednesday when China spent one of its largest military parades, which have celebrated 80 years since the end of World War II in Asia.

Putin, who in February 2022 started a full -scale invasion of Ukraine, said the bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea were friendly, and that Pyongyang’s military helped to release the Kursk region.

“Your soldiers fought bravely and heroically,” Putin said during the talks on Wednesday.

“I would like to point out that we will never forget the victims that have suffered your armed forces and families of your military.”

Kim expressed his gratitude for the recognition of the Russian leader on North Korea’s troops and stated that bilateral relations between the two countries “moved through all districts” – referring to Pyongyang’s participation in “joint struggle” with Russia in Ukraine.

“If we can help Russia, we will definitely do it as a brotherly duty.”

According to South Korea, the North sent about 15,000 troops to help Russia in its invasion, as well as missiles and weapons. In return, it is believed that North Korea received food, money and technical assistance.

These soldiers participated in Moscow’s efforts to restore parts of Western Kursk – Where the Ukrainians defend a small area of ​​the territory captured during an unexpected invasion of August – and is believed to have received heavy losses.

In January, Western officials said at least 1,000 were killed in just three months. Two months later, Seoul’s lawmakers said they believed there were about 4,700 victims of North Korea, including 600 deaths, with a total deployment of 15,000.

It is assumed that North Korean troops, none of which will have any previous combat experience, spent its first weeks in Russia in training and then in support of roles.

This is the third meeting for two years and at a time when Moscow and Pyongyang deepen its cooperation.

In June last year, Putin and whom signed a deal Promise that Russia and North Korea will help each other in the event of “aggression” against any country.

At the time, Kim accepted the contract as “the strongest”. A few weeks ago, he confirmed this support when he offered Moscow his “unconditional support” of the war in Ukraine.

Pyongyang for the first time publicly admitted, sending troops to Russia in April, months after Ukraine and the West discovered a large-scale unit from North Korea to the Russian-Ukrainian frontline.

In addition to the soldiers, North Korea also promised to send thousands of workers to help restore the Russian military region Kursk, Moscow’s security chief stated in June.

Last week during a special ceremony, North Korean leader met the families of the soldiers The fight for Russia against Ukraine was killed.

During the event, Kim stated that he was filled with “sadness”, if he did not bring soldiers alive, promising to build a monument in their honor and care for his children.

“I thought a lot about the families of other martyrs who did not attend (at the previous ceremony) … So, I organized this meeting when I wanted to meet and comfort the families of all heroes and save them from their sadness and suffering,” KCNA said.