RussiaNorthKorea – Moscow Parade Highlights Expanding Military Partnership
RussiaNorthKorea – North Korea publicly showcased its military partnership with Russia during the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, a move that observers say reflects the rapidly expanding ties between the two countries. The participation of North Korean troops in the annual military parade at Red Square marked a rare and symbolic moment in bilateral relations, drawing international attention to the growing cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
North Korean Troops Participate in Moscow Ceremony
During the Victory Day parade held on Saturday, North Korean soldiers marched alongside Russian military units in Moscow’s Red Square. The contingent carried the North Korean national flag as well as a commemorative banner linked to the World War II victory celebrations. Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most significant national events, honouring the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945.
North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed that units from the country’s ground, naval and air forces participated in the event at the invitation of the Russian government. The report highlighted the importance of the occasion and presented it as a symbol of close relations between the two nations.
Seoul Views Parade as Sign of Closer Defence Ties
South Korea’s unification ministry reacted to the development on Monday, stating that the participation of North Korean troops was viewed as evidence of strengthening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. Officials in Seoul have continued to monitor the growing partnership between the two countries, particularly in the security and defence sectors.
Analysts believe the public appearance of North Korean forces in Russia sends a diplomatic message to the international community regarding the strategic alignment between the two governments. It also reflects a broader shift in regional geopolitics as Russia and North Korea deepen their collaboration amid global tensions.
Putin Meets North Korean Military Delegation
According to KCNA, Russian President Vladimir Putin met the commander of the North Korean military contingent after the parade and personally thanked the delegation for taking part in the event. Russian authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the meeting, but the interaction was widely reported by state media in North Korea.
The parade reportedly marked the first known occasion in which North Korean troops officially marched on Russian territory during such a high-profile national ceremony. The event was also covered by South Korean media outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, which described it as an unprecedented moment in the relationship between the two nations.
Military Cooperation Expanded After 2024 Agreement
Relations between Russia and North Korea have strengthened significantly since the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin in June 2024. The deal reportedly expanded cooperation in several areas, including defence and security coordination.
Reports indicate that North Korea later deployed approximately 15,000 combat personnel to support Russian military operations linked to the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine. Although details surrounding the deployment remain limited, the move attracted international concern and further highlighted the growing military connection between the two governments.
Kim Jong-un Reaffirms Support for Russia
Ahead of the Victory Day celebrations, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a formal congratulatory message to President Putin. In the message, Kim praised the long-standing relationship between the two countries and pledged continued commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
KCNA reported that Kim described the current relationship as one built on independence, dignity, peace and mutual prosperity. He also stated that North Korea would continue to honour the commitments outlined in the partnership treaty signed with Russia.
The statement reinforced Pyongyang’s intention to prioritise its strategic relationship with Moscow at a time when both countries face increasing international scrutiny and diplomatic pressure from Western nations.