Published：May 6, 10:26Last updated：May 10, 04:22

North Korean Troops Join Russia's Victory Day Parade Amid Deepening Military Ties

May. 6, 2026 10:26

Serbian leader Aleksandar Vucic sent a congratulatory letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin for Victory Day. Vucic highlighted the common duty to honor and preserve the memory of those who fought for justice during the Great Patriotic War.

Summarized

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May. 10, 2026 01:20

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked a North Korean military commander after North Korean troops participated in Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9, 2026. The troops marched in Red Square, marking the first such participation by North Korea. The event highlighted deepening ties between the two countries, with Pyongyang deploying 15,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine. North Korean state media prominently covered the parade and Putin's speech. The partnership stems from a 2024 strategic treaty between Kim Jong-un and Putin.

May. 10, 2026 04:22

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his country's commitment to a bilateral defense cooperation pact with Russia on May 10, 2026. The message emphasized continued support for Russia amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The 81st anniversary of Victory Day on May 9, 2026 marked unprecedented military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, with Pyongyang's troops participating in Moscow's Red Square parade for the first time. Russian President Vladimir Putin received congratulatory messages from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and met with the North Korean military delegation, while approximately 15,000 North Korean combat troops marched alongside Russian forces under their 2024 strategic partnership treaty.

🌐 Diplomatic Solidarity

North Korea's participation symbolized deepening bilateral ties, with Kim Jong Un sending multiple messages reaffirming military cooperation and the 2024 defense pact. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko declared the day one of national pride, while Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic praised shared historical memory. The event saw limited international attendance, with Slovakia as the sole NATO representative. Russian Gazette+2

⚔️ Military Collaboration

The parade featured North Korean army, navy, and air force representatives marching with Russian troops, marking a significant escalation in defense cooperation. Putin personally thanked the North Korean commander, while reports confirmed Pyongyang's deployment of troops to support Russia's campaign in Ukraine. The joint military display followed Kim and Putin's 2024 agreement reviving Cold War-era alliances. Asahi Shimbun+2

🏛️ Geopolitical Messaging

Russia framed the celebrations as resistance against NATO aggression, with Putin emphasizing unity amid the Ukraine conflict. North Korean state media extensively covered the event, highlighting the troops' participation. The scaled-back parade reflected Russia's strained military resources, while internet restrictions in Moscow underscored the government's control over Victory Day narratives. Asahi Shimbun+2

Kim Jong UnVictory DayVladimir PutinAleksandar VucicNorth Korea-Russia relations