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Kim Jong-un's Message to Putin: Condolences Amid Russia-North Korea Alliance

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a formal message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The message concerned the death of Russia's ambassador to Pyongyang, Aleksandr Matsegora. Kim praised the ambassador as a devoted friend who worked for over 30 years on bilateral relations. The condolence comes as the two countries have strengthened their alliance in recent times.

Key Points: Kim Jong-un Sends Condolences to Putin for Russian Envoy Death

  • Kim Jong-un expressed deep condolences to Putin and the ambassador's family over the sudden death
  • Ambassador Aleksandr Matsegora served as Russia's top envoy to North Korea for a decade since 2015
  • Matsegora played a key role as Pyongyang and Moscow aligned closely amid the Ukraine war
  • North Korea's Foreign Minister also sent a separate condolence message to her Russian counterpart
2 min read

North Korea's Kim sends condolences to Putin over death of Russian envoy to Pyongyang

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin following the death of Russia's long-serving ambassador to Pyongyang.

"Comrade Matsegora was a close friend and comrade of the DPRK people who devoted his whole life to the development of the DPRK-Russia friendly relations for over 30 years. - Kim Jong-un"

Seoul, Dec 9

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the death of Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Matsegora, the North's state media reported on Tuesday.

"Kim ... sent a message of condolence to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin ... on December 8 as regards the demise of Aleksandr Ivanovich Matsegora, Russian extraordinary ambassador to the DPRK, on December 6, 2025," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea.

In the message, Kim expressed "deep condolences" to Putin, the Russian leadership and Matsegora's bereaved family over his "sudden demise," the KCNA said.

"Comrade Matsegora was a close friend and comrade of the DPRK people who devoted his whole life to the development of the DPRK-Russia friendly relations for over 30 years," Kim said.

The bilateral relations between the countries that have developed into the present "firm alliance" are clearly associated with Matsegora's "devoted efforts," he also noted.

"The sudden demise of the ambassador at the present time when the development of relations between the DPRK and Russia have entered a crucial historic phase is indeed a heartrending event and a great loss," the KCNA also quoted Kim as saying.

"His noble life ... will shine forever and will be always remembered by the peoples of the two countries."

Russia's foreign ministry earlier announced Matsegora had died last Saturday at 70, also without revealing the cause.

Having started as a staff member at the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang in 1999, Matsegora had served as Russia's top envoy to North Korea for 10 years since 2015, recently playing a key role as Pyongyang and Moscow aligned closely following North Korea's deployment of troops to support Russia in the war against Ukraine, Yonhap news agency reported.

North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui sent a separate message of condolence to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, noting that Matsegora "made a distinguished contribution" to the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, the KCNA said.

"The name of Comrade Ambassador Matsegora who was a witness and contributor to the history of the DPRK-Russia friendly relations will be remembered forever," Choe said, expressing hope that his bereaved family would recover peace as soon as possible.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi, it just shows how global alliances are shifting. Russia is getting closer to nations like North Korea and Iran. As India maintains its own strategic autonomy, it's crucial to watch these dynamics. The ambassador served for 30 years—that's a lifetime of dedication to a very difficult posting.
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Arjun K
First of all, condolences to the ambassador's family. 70 is not that old. But beyond that, the article mentions North Korean troops in Ukraine? That's a serious escalation that doesn't get enough focus. This alliance is making the world more unstable. India must tread carefully with all partners involved.
P
Priya S
Whatever one thinks of the governments, a man dedicated over three decades to diplomacy between two nations deserves respect. His work likely involved countless behind-the-scenes efforts. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.
R
Rohit P
The language used is so formal and full of socialist-era terms – "comrade", "noble life", "firm alliance". It's like a time capsule. The real story is the military cooperation hinted at in the last paragraph. That affects global security, and by extension, our security here in India.
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Karthik V
A respectful criticism: While reporting the condolences, the article could provide more context on what this strengthened Russia-DPRK axis means for the Korean peninsula's stability and for nations like South Korea and Japan, which are also India's important partners. The geopolitical ripple effects are significant.

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