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Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have held a phone call ahead of Putin’s planned summit with President Donald Trump in Alaska.

Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, Russia and North Korea’s relationship has notably strengthened following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In an effort to help Russia, North Korea has provided artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and over 15,000 troops to support Russian operations, particularly in the embattled Kursk region. In exchange, Russia has provided Pyongyang with support for North Korea’s satellite program, new aircraft for its aging fleet, and assistance with their missile program. The relationship hit a new level in 2024 with the signing of a formal defense pact, which includes a mutual defense clause.

What’s going on now: According to readouts from their call, both leaders vowed to continue strengthening bilateral ties. According to the Kremlin, Putin praised North Korea’s military contributions to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, specifically acknowledging the “bravery, heroism, and self-sacrificing spirit” of North Korean troops who fought alongside Russian forces to repel Ukrainian incursions in the Kursk region. He also expressed gratitude for other support Kim has provided.

Putin also briefed Kim on preparations for his upcoming summit with President Trump, sharing information on the meeting’s context and potential outcomes.

While the Kremlin acknowledged this exchange, North Korea’s official media notably omitted any mention of the Trump summit, instead focusing on the two leaders’ mutual pledges to deepen cooperation across political, military, and economic spheres.