North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on the New Year, calling him his "closest friend," UNN reports with reference to DW.
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Comrade Kim Jong-un, warmly congratulating Putin, his closest friend and comrade, on behalf of himself, the Korean people and all soldiers and officers of the armed forces of the Republic, sent warm greetings to the brotherly Russian people, all soldiers of the brave Russian army
In addition, Kim wished Putin that 2025 "will be the year of victory in the war in the 21st century, when the army and people of Russia will overcome the neo-Nazis and win a great victory."
According to Kyiv, the DPRK could deploy up to 12,000 troops to Russia.
In November, the U.S. State Department said that most of them are already participating in the fighting in the Kursk region.
In addition, according to Seoul, Moscow pays Pyongyang $2,000 for each soldier, which is equivalent to 83 annual salaries of an average DPRK citizen.
According to the Kremlin's website, Putin also wished Kim Jong-un a Happy New Year.