June 26, 2025
In a message for Russia Day, a patriotic holiday celebrating Russia's independence, Kim called Putin his "dearest comrade"
Kim’s visit comes amid a broader push to modernise North Korea’s conventional armed forces in addition to its nuclear and missile arsenals
On January 20, Trump said N Korea was a "nuclear power," raising questions about whether he would pursue arms reduction talks rather than denuclearisation efforts
Kim's remarks come at a time of political uncertainties at home with many of the more than its 10,000 troops fighting for Russia against Ukraine reportedly suffering heavy losses
