Life and Death in One Trench: Kim Jong-un Hails Russia Alliance in New Year Message to Putin

"The sincerest alliance of sharing blood, life and death in the same trench."North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un didn't mince words when describing the deepening bond with Russia. In a New Year greeting to President Vladimir Putin reported by KCNA on December 27, 2025, Kim hailed the relationship as a "precious common asset" to be carried forward for generations.

A Strategic Bond Forged in Conflict

This exchange of greetings follows a message sent by Putin on December 18, underscoring the frequent high-level communication between Pyongyang and Moscow. Kim described the past year as "meaningful," noting that the two nations have "steadily written a great biography of the alliance" through mutual support.

15,000 Troops and the Ukrainian Front

The phrase "sharing life and death in the same trench" is widely seen as a reference to the 15,000 combat troops North Korea has reportedly deployed to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine. This military cooperation has been formalized under the "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty signed in June 2024.

Kim asserted that no one can break the unity between the two peoples, which he claims is supported by a strong will to "set right history." This rhetoric suggests that the alliance is no longer just a diplomatic formality but a core pillar of North Korea's geopolitical strategy.