North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of Russia's National Day, referring to Putin as his 'dear friend'. According to TASS, the message was delivered by North Korean Ambassador to Russia Sin Hong Chol to a Russian Foreign Ministry official. Eurasiatimes.org reported that Kim extended warm greetings to the Russian people and all service personnel of the Russian armed forces on behalf of himself, the Korean people, and all service personnel of the North Korean armed forces. The message also referenced 2025 as a year of victory. According to Eurasiatimes.org, North Korea and Russia have deepened political, military, and cultural ties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Eurasiatimes.org also reported that Putin and Kim signed a historic defense pact during Putin’s visit to North Korea in June, which obliges each country to provide immediate military assistance if the other is invaded and came into force this month.