Putin and Kim Strengthen Their Alliance Ahead of the Anticipated Alaska Summit with Trump

In an extraordinary phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged yesterday, Tuesday, to enhance strategic cooperation between their countries, at a critical time ahead of the anticipated summit between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for next Friday in the U.S. state of Alaska.

The official North Korean news agency reported this morning, Wednesday, that the leaders discussed ways to strengthen their bilateral partnership and praised the strategic partnership agreement signed between the two countries in 2024, which includes cooperation in all fields, including a mutual defense treaty.

They confirmed during the call their readiness to continue expanding the scope of cooperation, especially in light of increasing international challenges.

The Kremlin, for its part, stated in an official statement that President Putin exchanged "important information" with Kim in the context of preparations for the sensitive talks that will bring him together with U.S. President Donald Trump, which are expected to focus on ways to end the war in Ukraine.

This call comes amid rising international tensions and after years of growing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, especially since the outbreak of the Russian war in Ukraine in February 2022.

North Korea has played an active role in supporting the Russian war effort, supplying Moscow with weapons and ammunition, and sending thousands of soldiers to the front, particularly in the Kursk region bordering Ukraine, which witnessed fierce battles before Russian forces were able to regain it with direct support from the North Korean army.

In this context, Putin once again expressed his "deep appreciation" for the support provided by North Korea, praising the "courage, heroism, and spirit of sacrifice" demonstrated by Korean soldiers in liberating Kursk from Ukrainian forces.

For his part, the North Korean leader reaffirmed his country's full commitment to supporting the Russian leadership, noting that Pyongyang "will continue to stand by Moscow and support all steps it takes to confront Western threats," based on the comprehensive strategic agreement between the two countries.

These statements come after a series of notable diplomatic moves, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Pyongyang in mid-July, during which Kim confirmed his country's "unconditional" support for Russia.

Additionally, late July saw an additional step in strengthening bilateral relations, represented by the reopening of a direct air route between Moscow and Pyongyang, a clear indication of the flourishing partnership between the allies.

The anticipated meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska is considered the most significant on the international stage in months, as it will address sensitive issues, primarily the war in Ukraine, relations between Russia and the West, and the role of Moscow's allied powers, particularly North Korea, in reshaping the geopolitical alliances in the world.