North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in a New Year's message, praised troops fighting abroad as forging an "invincible alliance" with Russia. State media reported Kim's message, which highlighted the troops' bravery and instructed them to continue their efforts. South Korean and Western intelligence suggest North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with significant casualties reported. Analysts believe North Korea receives financial aid, military technology, and supplies from Russia in return for its support.