Putin sends ‘congratulatory’ letter to Kim Jong Un, presumably for his birthday | NK News
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Putin sends ‘congratulatory’ letter to Kim Jong Un, presumably for his birthday

North Korean state media publishes text of Kim’s reply to Russian leader dated Jan. 8, widely seen as his date of birth
Anton Sokolin January 9, 2026
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Putin sends ‘congratulatory’ letter to Kim Jong Un, presumably for his birthday
Putin and Kim laugh inside the Russian leader’s limo after a reception in Beijing. | Image: KCTV (Sept. 6, 2025)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un replied to a “congratulatory” letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, according to state media, with the timing suggesting Putin wished Kim a happy birthday.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday published the text of Kim’s reply dated Jan. 8, the day the North Korean leader is believed to have been born in 1984.

In his message, Kim thanked Putin for a “warm” letter and described his country’s relations with Russia as a source of pride. He also pledged unconditional support for Putin’s decisions, saying the choice to stand “with you

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