Kathrine Frich
Putin expressed deep sympathy for the suffering of the North Korean people.
Russian President Vladimir Putin assured North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of his support following the devastating floods that struck North Korea in July, according to a statement from the Kremlin.
We Share the Pain and Mourning
The floods, which brought record rainfall, particularly affected the southeastern city of Kaesong, where 463 mm of rain fell in a single day—the highest in 29 years, according to South Korea’s meteorological center, according to Ziare.
In his message of condolences to Kim Jong Un, Putin expressed deep sympathy for the suffering of the North Korean people.
“We share the pain and mourning of the friendly people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. You can always count on our help and support,” Putin stated.
Longstanding Alliance
The longstanding alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang dates back to the end of the Korean War (1950-1953). Their relationship has grown even closer since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In late June, Putin was received with the highest honors by Kim in Pyongyang. The summit culminated in the signing of a bilateral defense agreement, further solidifying their ties.
The recent floods have added to North Korea’s challenges, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Putin’s message underscores Russia’s commitment to its ally during these difficult times.