Kim Jong Un to Putin: ‘Thanks for the Flood Aid Offer, But We’re Going Solo for Now!’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed gratitude for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to assist with flood recovery efforts, stating, “I will ask for help when necessary.”

According to a report from Yonhap News on the 4th, the Korean Central News Agency stated that Putin expressed condolences regarding the flood and heavy rain damage in North Korea the day before, sharing the contents of his letter and Kim’s response.

The state-run media reported that Putin conveyed “his sincere condolences and support to the North Korean people, stating his readiness to provide humanitarian assistance quickly for recovery efforts.”

In response, Kim remarked that during the most challenging times, he could truly feel a special bond with a genuine friend. He added that at this point, the government had already devised national measures to handle the flood damage urgently, and recovery efforts would progress according to the established plans.

It appears that North Korea intends to rely on its resources for flood recovery to strengthen internal unity rather than seeking external assistance.

Even if they receive humanitarian supplies in the future, they will selectively accept support only from certain countries, such as Russia.

Previously, on the 2nd, Kim sharply criticized South Korean media for estimating the North Korean human toll from the floods but did not provide a substantial response to the South Korean government’s offer of relief supplies.