Kim Jong Un Pledges Deeper Cooperation with Russia
North Korean leader sends message to Vladimir Putin reaffirming support for Ukraine war.
AI-assisted coverage comparison, editor-supervised · How this was made

Kim Džong Un odgovorio na čestitku iz Kremlja, obećao proširenje saradnje: "Podrška Putinu i ruskom narodu" 1
Photograph: Dnevni list Danas (embedded from source)
What this story says
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin pledging to expand and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
- Kim Jong Un expressed confidence in Russia's victory in the war in Ukraine and promised his "unwavering support" to Putin and the Russian people.
- The message comes amid deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including a defense agreement signed in 2024.
- Kim Jong Un also sent a similar message to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Who covered it
Percentages are shares of the 37 outlets carrying a published leaning rating. 58 of the 95 outlets we know ran this story carry no rating and are not counted in them. Coverage measured .
Trust
42/100
Craft
57/100
Hype
41/100
95 sources · methodology
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to expand and deepen cooperation with Russia in a message sent to President Vladimir Putin. The message, which responded to Putin's congratulations on North Korea's 78th founding anniversary, also expressed Kim's confidence in Russia's victory in the war in Ukraine. He promised his "unwavering support" to Putin and the Russian people.
This exchange occurs as North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened their ties. A defense agreement was signed between the two nations in 2024, and North Korea has reportedly sent forces to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine. Kim Jong Un also sent a comparable message to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Disagreement on the nature of the war
While Kim Jong Un expressed confidence in Russia's victory, the characterisation of the conflict varied. Dnevni list Danas reported Kim referred to it as a "holy war for the defence of the country's security interests and international justice." La Opinion, The Independent, and The Independent (US) reported Kim referred to it as a "sacred war." Lindependant.fr and Publico also used the term "sacred war." Hot News reported Kim referred to it as "his holy war against Ukraine." News-pravda.com stated Kim promised Russia "victory" in the war. 1news.com.ua reported Kim expressed support for Putin and promised Russia "victory" in the war. Censor.net reported Kim expressed confidence in Moscow's "victory" in the war against Ukraine. Topwar.ru stated Pyongyang is confident of Russia's victory in the conflict in Ukraine. Magyar Nemzet reported Kim Jong Un is confident in Moscow's victory. Expressodasilhas.cv and Observador reported Kim promised support to Russia in a "sacred war." Digi 24 reported that North Korea could send a new wave of troops to Russia after thousands of previously deployed soldiers were killed or injured. Gazeta reported that North Korea is preparing to send another wave of its troops to aid the Russian army.
What the coverage left out
None of the left-rated reports mention the defence agreement signed in 2024. None of the centre-rated reports mention the defence agreement signed in 2024. None of the right-rated reports mention the defence agreement signed in 2024.
Still developing. We have re-checked which outlets are covering this 5 times, most recently on 15 Sept 2026, 17:15, and will add the sides that appear.
How other outlets pictured it
Which photograph to run is each newsroom’s own choice. The leaning beside a name is that outlet’s published rating, not a claim that the pictures divide along it. Every picture is shown from the outlet’s own server and links to the article it ran in.
How each side covered it
Our own reading of the reporting listed below, written from the outlets’ articles rather than quoted from them. The reasoning is set out on our methodology page.
Left
13 rated outlets
- Eight left-rated reports focused on Kim Jong Un's pledge of "unwavering support" for Russia and Vladimir Putin. Several reports, including The Independent and The Independent (US), highlighted Kim's description of the war in Ukraine as a "sacred war." TeleSUR noted the reinforcement of historical ties between North Korea and Russia, stating both countries aim to "protect justice and peace together." IndexHR reported Kim's intention to "expand and deepen" cooperation with Russia. HotNews.ro quoted Kim's promise of "unswerving support" to his "dear friend" Vladimir Putin. Censor.net reported Kim promised to expand DPRK cooperation with Russia and expressed confidence in Moscow's "victory" in the war against Ukraine. La Opinion reported Kim promised his "unchangeable support" to Vladimir Putin, with the missive coming amid speculation about sending more North Korean troops to Russia.
Centre
9 rated outlets
- Five centre-rated reports highlighted Kim Jong Un's pledge to expand and deepen cooperation with Russia. NK News noted Kim's vow of firm support for Russia's "sacred" Ukraine war ahead of Russia's parliamentary election. 15min.lt reported Kim wrote a letter to Putin promising to "expand and deepen" cooperation. Lindependant.fr reported Kim reaffirmed his support for Russia in its "sacred war" against Ukraine, noting this rapprochement is materialised in defence agreements. Hola News reported Kim promised to expand ties with Russia amid alerts from Kiev about more North Korean troops. Digi 24 reported on why Kim Jong Un might send a new wave of soldiers to fight against Ukraine and what North Korea receives from Russia.
Right
15 rated outlets
- Seven right-rated reports focused on Kim Jong Un's vow of "invariable support" for Russia and Vladimir Putin. Anadolu Ajansı reported Kim stated Pyongyang is determined to deepen the alliance and expressed confidence in Moscow's victory. Globo reported Kim promised "unshakable support" to Putin and classified the war against Ukraine. Sapo reported Kim promised "inabalable" support to Russia in the war, mentioning a 2024 defense agreement and North Korean soldiers' participation in the war. Observador reported North Korea promised "unshakable" support to Russia in a "sacred war" against Ukraine, also mentioning the 2024 defense agreement and North Korean soldiers' participation. Topwar.ru reported Kim Jong-UN is confident of Russia's victory and will continue to support Moscow and the "brotherly Russian people." News-pravda.com reported Kim Jong-un pledged unwavering support for Russia and reaffirmed Pyongyang's commitment to further deepening ties. Mehr News Agency reported the North Korean leader emphasized the continuation of bilateral cooperation with Russia.
Questions about this coverage
- How did the left and right cover Kim Jong Un Pledges Deeper Cooperation with Russia?
- Of the 37 outlets on this story carrying a published leaning rating, 35% are rated left, 24% are rated centre, 41% are rated right. Those percentages are shares of the rated outlets, not of every outlet that ran it, which was 95. The sections above set out what each side emphasised, in its own terms.
- Is Kim Jong Un Pledges Deeper Cooperation with Russia left or right?
- Neither side dominates it. Of the 37 rated outlets on this story, 35% are rated left, 24% are rated centre, 41% are rated right, and no side holds the 70% this site would want before calling a field one-sided. A story is not left or right in any case; the outlets that carried it are what carry ratings.
- Is the coverage of Kim Jong Un Pledges Deeper Cooperation with Russia biased?
- Kim Jong Un Pledges Deeper Cooperation with Russia is one event reported by 95 outlets, and this page does not rate the story as biased or unbiased. What it publishes is the spread: which outlets ran it, where named rating organisations place each of them on the spectrum, and what each side chose to lead with. A leaning rating describes an outlet's record over time, not this article, and the two should not be run together.
- Which outlets covered Kim Jong Un Pledges Deeper Cooperation with Russia?
- 95 that we know of, every one of them listed further up this page with a link to its own report and to what we hold on the publisher. Nothing here is a summary of somebody else's summary: the outlets are named so the original reporting can be read.
- What did Kim Jong Un promise Vladimir Putin?
- Kim Jong Un promised to expand and deepen cooperation with Russia. He also expressed confidence in Russia's victory in the war in Ukraine and pledged his "unwavering support" to Putin and the Russian people.
- How is North Korea supporting Russia in the Ukraine war?
- North Korea and Russia have deepened military cooperation, with a defense agreement signed in 2024. Reports suggest North Korea has sent forces to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, and there is speculation about further troop deployments.
- Did Kim Jong Un send a similar message to other leaders?
- Yes, Kim Jong Un sent a similar message to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both messages were in response to congratulations received from Putin and Xi on North Korea's 78th founding anniversary.
Read it at the source
95 outlets, grouped by the leaning a published rating gives them. Every headline links to the original; an underlined outlet name opens our profile of that publisher.
Left
13- Kim Jong-UN Promises in a Letter His "Unchangeable Support" to Vladimir Putin (opens La Opinion in a new tab)
La Opinion — is La Opinion biased? Our profile of this outletOpinion
- Kim Jong Un says he will continue to back Putin’s ‘sacred war’ on Ukraine (opens The Independent (US) in a new tab)
The Independent (US) — is The Independent (US) biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong Un says he will continue to back Putin’s ‘sacred war’ on Ukraine (opens The Independent in a new tab)
The Independent — is The Independent biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea and Russia Reinforce Historical Ties (opens teleSUR in a new tab)
- Kim Jong-UN Sends Message to Putin: We Stand Firmly with You in Holy War Against Ukraine (opens IndexHR in a new tab)
- Kim Jong UN Responded to the Congratulations From the Kremlin, Promised to Expand Cooperation: "Support for Putin and the Russian People" (opens Dnevni list Danas in a new tab)
Dnevni list Danas — is Dnevni list Danas biased? Our profile of this outlet
- The Leader Who Promises Unswerving Support to "Dear Friend" Vladimir Putin - HotNews.ro (opens Hot News in a new tab)
- Kim Jong-UN Promised Putin to Expand DPRK Cooperation with Russia (opens censor.net in a new tab)
censor.net — is censor.net biased? Our profile of this outlet
Show 5 more
- Kim Jong-UN: DPRK and Russia Are Strengthening Their Alliance (opens fakti.bg in a new tab)
- Kim Jong UN Responds to Putin’s September 9th Message: “A New Chapter in the History of the Great North Korea-Russia Alliance” (opens 한겨레 in a new tab)
한겨레
- Kim Jong-UN Promised Putin “Unwavering Support” and Russia's Victory in “Holy War” (opens UNN in a new tab)
- N. Korea's Kim vows to deepen ties with Russia in reply to Putin (opens The Korea Times in a new tab)
The Korea Times — is The Korea Times biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong Un Pledges Continued Support for Russia’s War in Ukraine (opens Kyiv Post in a new tab)
Centre
9- Kim Jong UN Wrote a Letter to Vladimir Putin (opens 15min.lt in a new tab)
- Kim Jong Un vows firm support for Russia’s ‘sacred’ Ukraine war before election (opens NK News in a new tab)
- Why Could Kim Jong One Send a New Wave of Soldiers to Fight Against Ukraine. What North Korea Receives From Russia (opens Digi 24 in a new tab)
- Ukraine's Invasion - Kim Jong One Reiterates Its Support for Russia's "Sacred War" in Ukraine (opens cedarnews.net in a new tab)
cedarnews.net — is cedarnews.net biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong-UN Reiterates Its Support for Russia's "Sacred War" (opens Le Devoir in a new tab)
- Kim Jong Eun Promised to Expand His Cooperation with Russia and Supported It in the War with Ukraine. (opens ZN.UA Зеркало недели in a new tab)
ZN.UA Зеркало недели — is ZN.UA Зеркало недели biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea’s Kim vows to expand ties with Russia, backs victory in ‘sacred war’ (opens WTVB in a new tab)
- North Korea's Kim vows to expand ties with Russia, backs victory in 'sacred war' (opens Reuters in a new tab)
Right
15- North Korean Leader Kim Vows ‘Invariable Support’ for Russia in Message to Putin (opens Anadolu Ajansı in a new tab)
Anadolu Ajansı — is Anadolu Ajansı biased? Our profile of this outlet
- In a Letter, Kim Jong-UN Promises 'Unshakable Support' to Putin (opens Globo in a new tab)
- Kim Jong UN Promises "Inabalable" Support to Russia in the War (opens Sapo in a new tab)
- Live/North Korea Promises "Unshakable" Support to Russia in "Sacred War" Against Ukraine (opens Observador in a new tab)
Observador — is Observador biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea Emphasizes Expanding Joint Cooperation with Russia (opens Mehr News Agency in a new tab)
Mehr News Agency — is Mehr News Agency biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong-UN Is Confident of Russia's Victory, Confirming Moscow's Continued Support. (opens topwar.ru in a new tab)
- Kim Jong-un pledges unwavering support for Russia (opens news-pravda.com in a new tab)
news-pravda.com — is news-pravda.com biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong UN Reiterated His Commitment to Strengthening Ties with Russia, Continuing Cooperation in All Areas, and Expressing Support for the War in Ukraine. (opens thairath.co.th in a new tab)
thairath.co.th — is thairath.co.th biased? Our profile of this outlet
Show 7 more
- Kim Jong Un vows to expand and deepen ties with Russia (opens The Hindu Business Line in a new tab)
The Hindu Business Line — is The Hindu Business Line biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong Un vows unwavering support for Putin, calls Russia’s Ukraine war sacred (opens Malay Mail in a new tab)
Malay Mail — is Malay Mail biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea's Kim vows to expand ties with Russia (opens The West Australian in a new tab)
The West Australian — is The West Australian biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong-UN Sent Putin Back a Telegram and Declared His Faith in Russia's Victory. (opens vz.ru in a new tab)
- North Korea’s Kim pledges ‘invariable support’ in Putin letter (opens Free Malaysia Today News in a new tab)
Free Malaysia Today News — is Free Malaysia Today News biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea's Kim vows to expand ties with Russia, backs victory in 'sacred war' (opens The Straits Times in a new tab)
The Straits Times — is The Straits Times biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Rumors of 50,000 North Korean Troops Deployed to Russia… BBC: "Benefits for Both North Korea and Russia, Will Continue" (opens 연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency in a new tab)
연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency — is 연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency biased? Our profile of this outlet
Not rated
58- Kim Jong-UN Sends a Noteworthy Message to Putin: He Pledged 'Unwavering Support'. (opens turkiyegazetesi.com.tr in a new tab)
turkiyegazetesi.com.tr — is turkiyegazetesi.com.tr biased? Our profile of this outlet
- A Message of "Allegiance" that Will Infuriate the West! Full Support From North Korea to Russia. (opens Akşam in a new tab)
- Kim Jong-UN Pledges “Unwavering Support” to Russia in Message to Putin (opens Aydınlık in a new tab)
- North Korea Promises "Unshakable" Support to Russia in "Sacred War" (opens expressodasilhas.cv in a new tab)
expressodasilhas.cv — is expressodasilhas.cv biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong UN Expressed Support for Putin: DPRK Leader Promised Russia “Victory” in the War (opens 1news.com.ua in a new tab)
1news.com.ua — is 1news.com.ua biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea Promises Unshakable Support to Russia in Sacred War Against Ukraine (opens Publico in a new tab)
- Kim Jong UN Sends Message to Putin, Confident in Moscow's Victory (opens Magyar Nemzet in a new tab)
Magyar Nemzet — is Magyar Nemzet biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Russia-North Korea Relations Are Flourishing. Kim Jong UN's New Wave of Troops in War with Ukraine (opens Gazeta in a new tab)
Show 50 more
- Kim Jong UN Promises Putin "Total and Uncompromising" Support. Phenian Claims that Russia Is Leading a "Holy War" in Ukraine, Although the Country Under Attack Is Deeply Orthodox (opens Gândul in a new tab)
- North Korea: Kim Jong UN Pledges to "Expand and Deepen" Cooperation with Russia (opens Reporter.gr in a new tab)
Reporter.gr — is Reporter.gr biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea: Kim Renews His "Vows" to Putin - "Our Support Is Unwavering and Steadfast" (opens reader.gr in a new tab)
- Kim Jong-UN Says He Will Deepen Ties with Russia in Message to Putin (opens CNN Brasil in a new tab)
CNN Brasil — is CNN Brasil biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Promises Putin "Unwavering and Steadfast Support" for Russia - ONLARISSA.GR News Larissa (opens onlarissa.gr in a new tab)
onlarissa.gr — is onlarissa.gr biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Promises Putin 'Unwavering and Steadfast Support' for Russia (opens ertnews.gr in a new tab)
ertnews.gr — is ertnews.gr biased? Our profile of this outlet
- War in Ukraine: "To Defend International justice"... Kim Jong A Greeting "the Sacred War" Led by the Russians in a Letter to Vladimir Putin (opens lindependant.fr in a new tab)
lindependant.fr — is lindependant.fr biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea Promises "Unshakable" Support to Russia in "Sacred War" Against Ukraine (opens Correio da Manhã in a new tab)
Correio da Manhã — is Correio da Manhã biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Promises to Expand Ties with Russia on Kiev's Alert by More North Korean Troops (opens Hola News in a new tab)
- "My Dear Friend": Kim Jong One's Statement to Putin (opens dhnet.be in a new tab)
- Kim Jong UN Affirms Support for Putin and Expresses Confidence in Russia's Victory (opens Pantau.com in a new tab)
Pantau.com — is Pantau.com biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korean Leader Kim Sends Message of 'Unwavering Support' to Russia. (opens anlatilaninotesi.com.tr in a new tab)
anlatilaninotesi.com.tr — is anlatilaninotesi.com.tr biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong Eun Promised Putin Victory and Glory in Response to His Congratulations. (opens RTVI in a new tab)
- North Korea Promises "Unshakable" Support to Russia in "Sacred War" (opens Noticias ao Minuto in a new tab)
Noticias ao Minuto — is Noticias ao Minuto biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong-UN Pledged Continued Support for Moscow. Expanding Cooperation with Russia (opens Aktuality.sk in a new tab)
Aktuality.sk — is Aktuality.sk biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea's Kim vows to expand ties with Russia, backs victory in 'sacred war' (opens ATN in a new tab)
- North Korean Leader Kim Jong UN Pledged "Steadfast Support" for Russia. (opens vietnamplus.vn in a new tab)
vietnamplus.vn — is vietnamplus.vn biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong UN Reaffirms Support for Russia's "Sacred War in Ukraine" and Promises to Deepen Cooperation with Vladimir Putin (opens Aktual24 in a new tab)
- Kim Jong UN Promises Putin Full Support. North Korean Leader Talks About "Holy War in Ukraine (opens Stirile Pro TV in a new tab)
Stirile Pro TV — is Stirile Pro TV biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong-UN Vows Support for Russia and Deepening Relations with Moscow (opens topky.sk in a new tab)
- Kim Jong UN Returns Phone Call to Thank Putin for Congratulating North Korea on Its National Day, Indicating a Commitment to Comprehensively Expanding and Deepening Bilateral Cooperation (opens i-cable.com in a new tab)
i-cable.com — is i-cable.com biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea's Kim vows to deepen ties with Russia in reply to Putin (opens bhaskarlive.in in a new tab)
bhaskarlive.in — is bhaskarlive.in biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong-UN Encourages Putin: You Will Definitely Defeat Ukraine (opens Actualno.com in a new tab)
Actualno.com — is Actualno.com biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong-UN Sent a Letter to Putin, Pledging Support for Russia and Deepening Relations with Moscow (opens Hospodárske Noviny in a new tab)
Hospodárske Noviny — is Hospodárske Noviny biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim's Window Pledges Putin "Unshakeable Support" to Russia. (opens nafeza2world.com in a new tab)
nafeza2world.com — is nafeza2world.com biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea’s Kim vows to deepen ties with Russia in reply to Putin (opens Social News XYZ in a new tab)
Social News XYZ — is Social News XYZ biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong UN Declares Russia's' Victory 'in War Against Ukraine (opens ГОЛОВНА in a new tab)
ГОЛОВНА
- Kim Jong-UN Sent Putin Back a Telegram on the Anniversary of the DPRK (opens Life.ru in a new tab)
- Kim Jong UN Vows Unwavering Support for Putin, Calls Russia¶s Ukraine War Sacred (opens AlKhaleej Today in a new tab)
AlKhaleej Today — is AlKhaleej Today biased? Our profile of this outlet
- N. Korea's Kim pledges to strengthen ties with Russia (opens BizToc in a new tab)
- Kim Jong-UN Promises His "Unchangeable Support" to Vladimir Putin in the War Against Ukraine (opens EL NACIONAL in a new tab)
EL NACIONAL — is EL NACIONAL biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea's Kim vows to expand ties with Russia (opens PerthNow in a new tab)
- Kim Jong UN Promises 'Unshakable Support' to Putin in the War Against Ukraine (opens Jovem Pan News in a new tab)
Jovem Pan News — is Jovem Pan News biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea Promises to Expand Ties with Russia on Kiev's Alert by More North Korean Troops - The Sun of Mexico (opens oem.com.mx in a new tab)
oem.com.mx — is oem.com.mx biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Is Contentedly Rubbing His Hands because of His "Suicides": North Korea Is Sending Russia an ENORMOUS REINFORCEMENT! (opens Telegraf in a new tab)
- North Korea May Send up to 50,000 Troops to Russia for War Against Ukraine (opens Gazeta.ua in a new tab)
- Possibility of Deploying an Additional 50,000 North Korean Troops… BBC: 'Kim Jong-UN's Gamble Pays Off' (opens 매일신문 in a new tab)
매일신문
- North Korean Soldiers for the Russian Front: A New Wave Is Preparing · Global Voices (opens periodistadigital.com in a new tab)
periodistadigital.com — is periodistadigital.com biased? Our profile of this outlet
- The DPRK Can Send Tens of Thousands of Military Personnel to Help Russia: the BBC Has Revealed Details. (opens Обозреватель in a new tab)
Обозреватель
- Russia Is Creating a New “Reserve Army,” Researcher Warns – “Huge Numbers” Revealed (opens Talouselämä in a new tab)
Talouselämä — is Talouselämä biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea to Send Tens of Thousands of Troops to Russia: BBC... (opens frognews.bg in a new tab)
frognews.bg — is frognews.bg biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong-UN Says “Solsol” of Sending 50,000 Additional North Korean Troops to Russia (opens asiae.co.kr in a new tab)
asiae.co.kr — is asiae.co.kr biased? Our profile of this outlet
- Kim Jong-UN Will Send Troops Again for Putin: BBC Reveals New DPRK Plans for War in Ukraine (opens ТСН.ua in a new tab)
- A New Massive Contingent of North Korean Soldiers Ready to Fight in the Russian War in Ukraine (opens Adevarul in a new tab)
- War in Ukraine: Soon a New Wave of North Korean Soldiers Sent to Russia? (opens Radio France in a new tab)
Radio France — is Radio France biased? Our profile of this outlet
- They Don't Want to Surrender. They're Blowing Themselves up with Grenades. 50,000 of Them Are Coming to Help Putin Against Kiev. (opens 24sata.hr in a new tab)
- Kim Jong One's Secret Army Could Return to the Front. Up to 50,000 North Koreans, Ready for Russia (opens Mediafax in a new tab)
- North Korea may send troops to support Russia in Ukraine conflict: BBC (opens Cryptocurrency News in a new tab)
Cryptocurrency News — is Cryptocurrency News biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea may send troops to support Russia in Ukraine conflict: BBC (opens Crypto Briefing in a new tab)
Crypto Briefing — is Crypto Briefing biased? Our profile of this outlet
- North Korea Reportedly Prepares New Military Support for Russia (opens The Zambian Observer in a new tab)
The Zambian Observer — is The Zambian Observer biased? Our profile of this outlet
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