North Korean Troops March in Moscow Victory Day Parade

North Korean troops marched in Moscow's Red Square on May 9, 2026, marking the first time the nation's military participated in Russia's Victory Day parade. The contingent, comprising combined ground, naval, and air forces of the Korean People's Army, attended at the invitation of the Kremlin. Following the ceremony, President Vladimir Putin met with the North Korean commander to express his gratitude.

Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message to Putin marking the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. In the message, Kim reaffirmed that North Korea would give top priority to the comprehensive strategic partnership and remain committed to the obligations of the inter-state treaty signed in June 2024. These diplomatic gestures coincided with a three-day ceasefire in the war against Ukraine announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The public display of military ties follows the deployment of approximately 15,000 North Korean combat troops to support Russian forces in Kursk, though reports indicate over 6,000 North Korean casualties. Further institutionalizing this bond, Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov met with Kim in Pyongyang to discuss transitioning military cooperation to a long-term basis, with plans to sign a formal cooperation agreement for the 2027-2031 period.