North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has extended birthday greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, pledging continued support for Moscow.In his message, Kim said Pyongyang would further expand cooperation with Russia under the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.He also said he believed Russia’s just war to protect its sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity would end in victory. Kim’s message, however, did not directly mention Russia’s war in Ukraine.According to estimates by Ukraine and South Korea, North Korea has sent around 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine since 2024. Relations between North Korea and Russia have grown closer since Putin and Kim signed a mutual defence treaty in June 2024.Meanwhile, North Korea has criticised US arms sales and military assistance to Taiwan, accusing Washington of stoking tensions in the Taiwan Strait.Source: Reuters