North Korean leader Kim Jong-un praised his troops fighting in Ukraine as forging an “invincible alliance” with Russia in a New Year’s message, according to state media.

Thousands of North Korean soldiers have reportedly been sent to support Russia’s nearly four-year invasion, with at least 600 dead and thousands injured.

Analysts say Russia provides Pyongyang with financial aid, military technology, and food and energy supplies in return, strengthening the bilateral alliance.

Kim congratulated troops for defending national honor abroad, hinted at further overseas operations this year, and emphasized solidarity between Pyongyang and Moscow, The Guardian has reported.

On the ground, North Korean soldiers face harsh conditions, including orders to commit suicide rather than be captured, with some injured soldiers now seeking to defect to South Korea.