Kim to Putin: North Korea Shares 'Blood, Life & Death' in Ukraine War

• Kim Jong Un sent New Year greetings to Vladimir Putin, emphasizing shared 'blood, life and death' in the Ukraine war.
• North Korea reportedly dispatched thousands of troops to aid Moscow, with soldiers confirmed killed in combat.
• Pyongyang acknowledged sending troops to clear mines in Russia's Kursk region in August 2025, where nine troops died.
• North Korea has supplied Russia with artillery, missiles, and rocket systems, while receiving financial aid, military tech, food, and energy.
• Kim ordered increased missile production, with analysts suggesting exports to Russia and challenging US/South Korea.

Why It Matters: Kim's message solidifies North Korea's deep military and strategic alliance with Russia amid the Ukraine war.