Putin and Medvedev Mark North Korea’s Liberation Day with Unprecedented Strategic Partnership

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev have sent congratulatory messages to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the 81st anniversary of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 15.

In his message, Putin emphasized that the holiday honors the courage of Korean patriots and Red Army soldiers who fought together to liberate North Korea from Japanese colonial rule. He noted that the principles of military camaraderie and mutual support forged during this period have since become foundational for strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea.

“Today, our relationship has reached an unprecedented high level of comprehensive strategic partnership,” Putin stated.

Medvedev’s congratulatory remarks underscored the historical significance of the anniversary, highlighting the critical roles played by Korean patriots and Red Army soldiers in liberating the DPRK from Japanese forces in 1945. He further observed that expanding cooperation between Russia and North Korea across all domains aligns with the mutual interests of both nations and contributes to enhanced stability, security, and a more equitable multipolar world order in the Asia-Pacific region.