Putin Talks To Kim Jong Un Ahead Of Meeting Trump, Praise North Korea's Support For The Ukrainian War

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke by telephone regarding the meeting between Putin and President Donald Trump on Friday this week.

"The Russian president also shared information with Kim Jong Un regarding future talks with US President Donald Trump," the Kremlin press service said, according to TASS, Wednesday, August 13.

During the phone call, Putin reportedly thanked Kim for Pyongyang's ongoing support in Ukraine's war.

"The president of Russia once again highly appreciates the support given by North Korea and the courage, heroism, and spirit of sacrifice shown by Korean People's Army personnel in releasing Kursk, part of Russian territory," North Korean state media reported KCNA.

North Korea supports Russia in the fight against Ukraine by sending troops and providing weapons to strengthen its efforts.

Assessment of Ukrainian intelligence seen by CNN in July said North Korea is expected to send up to 35,000 additional troops to fight alongside Russia, three times the number previously deployed.

North Korea has improved closer ties with Russia over the past few years, by signing a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement last year on the basis of deploying Pyongyang troops to Russia.

Putin and Kim made the phone call to commemorate 80 years of Korean release from Japanese colonialism.

The two leaders have agreed to "close contact in the future," according to KCNA.