Kim Jong-un’s 2026 New Year Message: Silence Toward West, ‘Invincible Alliance’ with Russia Deepens

He didn't offer a single word to Seoul or Washington. Instead, Kim Jong-un rang in 2026 by doubling down on his military ties with Russia. Attending a massive New Year celebration at Pyongyang's May Day Stadium, the North Korean leader prioritized domestic unity and his budding alliance with the Kremlin over traditional diplomacy.

A Toast to the Front Lines: Kim Jong-un 2026 New Year Message to Russia Troops

In a poignant New Year's letter, Kim addressed North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia to support the war against Ukraine. He praised their combat participation as the bedrock of an "invincible alliance" between Pyongyang and Moscow. With more than 10,000 troops deployed and reports of thousands of casualties, Kim’s message aimed to transform their sacrifice into a symbol of national honor and strategic necessity.

Ju-ae’s Prominence and the Domestic 'New Vision'

The state media footage also sent a clear message about the future. Kim’s daughter, Ju-ae, stole the spotlight, wearing a matching leather coat and sitting prominently next to her father. She was seen whispering to him and kissing his cheek during the countdown, while Kim's wife, Ri Sol-ju, was largely relegated to the periphery. This visual cues suggest a continued hardening of Ju-ae's status as a central figure in the regime's lineage.

Kim’s speech focused heavily on internal affairs, urging citizens to unite for the upcoming 9th Party Congress. By ignoring Seoul and Washington, the North indicates that its immediate survival and growth strategy lies in its partnership with Russia and domestic mobilization, rather than seeking sanctions relief through negotiations.