Dune: Prophecy Prequel Explores Beginnings of Bene Gesserit on HBO and Max
Nov 18 2024
When Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of Democratic People's Republic of Korea sent a birthday telegram to Vladimir Putin, President of Russia on October 7, 2025, the tone was unmistakably celebratory and, oddly enough, a bit defiant. The 73‑year‑old Russian leader spent the afternoon at the Kremlin holding meetings with the Russian Security Council, while his birthday greetings arrived from a handful of nations Moscow still calls “friendly.”
Here’s the thing: the telegram didn’t just wish Putin a happy birthday. It praised his "sacred mission" of defending Russia’s dignity and, more strikingly, labelled Moscow’s campaign in Ukraine a “just struggle.”strong> The phrasing, echoed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, signals an even tighter alignment between Pyongyang and Moscow as the war drags into its fourth year.
Background to the Kim‑Putin Birthday Message
To understand why this birthday note carries weight, you have to go back to June 19, 2024, when the two leaders signed a mutual defense pact during Putin’s state visit to Pyongyang. That event, the Russia‑North Korea Mutual Defense AgreementPyongyang, pledged military assistance if either country faced aggression. Since then, the partnership has been more talk than walk—until now.
In early 2025, satellite images showed the Russian cargo vessel Lady R docking in North Korean waters, suggesting a resumption of covert weapons transfers that had been paused for two months. The ship, long linked to illicit DPRK shipments, reappeared just weeks before Kim’s telegram, fueling speculation that Pyongyang is ready to back Moscow’s war effort more openly.
Details of the Telegram and Its Rhetoric
The Kremlin released a verbatim translation of the message on October 7. Kim addressed Putin as “my dearest comrade” and lauded his “success in carrying out the sacred mission of reliably safeguarding the nation’s dignity and core interests.” He went on to commend Putin’s role in “building a new, multipolar world” and, crucially, described the war in Ukraine as a “just struggle for national sovereignty.”
Such language is more than diplomatic flair—it mirrors the rhetoric Pyongyang has used to justify its own nuclear program. Earlier this year, Kim announced the expansion of the “shield and sword” nuclear forces, branding them a “core state policy.” Marrying that narrative with Putin’s campaign underscores a shared worldview: both regimes see themselves as defenders against a Western‑led order.
But wait, the telegram didn’t stop at praise. Kim declared the Russia‑DPRK alliance “eternal and indestructible,” pledging that it “will continue to develop” and “contribute to a just world order.” The message, confirmed by Dmitry Peskov, was described as “formal” and “congratulatory,” yet the subtext is unmistakable—a call for deeper military cooperation.
Reactions from Belarus and the Kremlin
Across the border, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko sent his own birthday note, extolling Putin’s “political wisdom” and “exceptional devotion to the Motherland.” While Lukashenko’s words sounded more like a standard diplomatic greeting, they reinforce the tight‑knit bloc of countries that have rallied behind Moscow since the Ukraine invasion.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin’s birthday celebrations have been “relatively low‑key” since February 24, 2022, a stark contrast to the pre‑war years when the leader would jet off to Siberian retreats or lace up a hockey stick for a friendly match. The shift, Peskov noted, reflects the “geopolitical realignments” after the war, with most congratulatory messages now coming from nations Moscow categorises as “friendly.”
Implications for Russia‑North Korea Military Cooperation
What does this mean for the battlefield in Ukraine? Analysts say the renewed diplomatic warmth could translate into more concrete support—perhaps artillery shells, air‑defence systems, or even missile technology. The United States, for its part, slapped fresh sanctions on North Korea in 2025, accusing it of cooperating with Myanmar to fund weapons‑of‑mass‑destruction programs. Those sanctions, however, have little bite if Russia is willing to turn a blind eye.
Experts point out that the “just struggle” phrasing serves a dual purpose: it legitimises Moscow’s actions domestically and provides Pyongyang a convenient narrative to cloak any new arms transfers as solidarity rather than aggression. The timing is also noteworthy; with the war entering its fourth year, Russia’s traditional suppliers are feeling the heat of Western sanctions, making North Korean support increasingly attractive.
Moreover, the mutual defense pact signed on includes a clause obligating each side to provide “military assistance” if the other is attacked. While Russia isn’t technically under attack, the language is broad enough for Pyongyang to interpret Ukraine’s conflict as a defensive struggle—hence the “just struggle” label.
What Comes Next – Potential Moves
Looking ahead, several scenarios could unfold. First, we may see a surge in covert shipments via vessels like the Lady R, possibly moving rockets or spare parts for air‑defence batteries. Second, joint military exercises could be scheduled before the end of 2025, a move that would signal deeper operational integration.
On the diplomatic front, expect more birthday‑style greetings for other Russian officials, each peppered with language that echoes Pyongyang’s stance. And don’t forget the domestic audience: both leaders thrive on portraying themselves as champions of a multipolar world, a narrative that helps them deflect criticism at home.
Finally, the United States and its allies are likely to tighten sanctions and ramp up intelligence monitoring of maritime routes between the two countries. Whether that will curtail the flow of weapons remains to be seen, but the symbolism of Kim’s telegram will linger as proof that the Russia‑North Korea alliance is not just a headline, but a living, evolving partnership.
Key Facts
- Kim Jong Un sent the telegram on October 7, 2025, marking Putin’s 73rd birthday.
- The message called Russia’s Ukraine war a “just struggle” and declared the alliance “eternal and indestructible.”
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the content and noted Putin’s low‑key birthday activities at the Kremlin.
- Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko also sent a congratulatory note, reinforcing the pro‑Moscow bloc.
- The June 19, 2024 mutual defense pact between Russia and North Korea provides a legal framework for renewed military cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kim Jong Un’s telegram affect the Ukraine conflict?
The telegram publicly reinforces Pyongyang’s support for Russia’s war effort, which could translate into more covert arms shipments. Analysts see the language as a green light for North Korea to step up supplies of artillery shells and missile components, potentially prolonging the conflict.
What is the significance of the mutual defense pact signed in 2024?
The June 19, 2024 agreement obligates each side to provide military assistance if the other is attacked. While Russia isn’t technically under attack, the pact’s vague wording lets Pyongyang interpret support for the Ukraine war as fulfilling its defensive commitment, giving legal cover to any new transfers.
Why did Belarus’s President also send a birthday message?
Aleksandr Lukashenko’s note underscores the tight‑rope of solidarity among Moscow’s allies. By praising Putin’s “political wisdom,” Belarus signals its continued alignment, which helps Moscow project a united front against Western criticism.
What are the chances of joint military exercises before the end of 2025?
Security analysts consider it plausible. Both regimes have hinted at deeper cooperation, and with the war entering its fourth year, a joint drill would serve as a clear signal of readiness and deter further sanctions.
How might the United States respond to this renewed partnership?
Washington is likely to tighten existing sanctions on North Korea, expand monitoring of maritime traffic, and increase diplomatic pressure on Russia. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on enforcement and the willingness of third‑party states to cooperate.
Comments
Mark Langdon
Kim’s birthday note is a blunt reminder that Russia isn’t flying solo in this mess. The language “just struggle” feels like a rallying cry for both regimes to double‑down. It also shows how Pyongyang is ready to put its muscle where it counts – artillery, missiles, you name it. While the West bemoans sanctions, the two leaders are busy polishing their friendship. It’s a dangerous tight‑rope for anyone watching the front lines.