North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a post-summit dinner at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia, April 25, 2019, in this photo carried by the Korean Central News Agency the next day. Yonhap

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed full support Sunday for Russian President Vladimir Putin, the country's state media reported, despite international condemnation for the latter's invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian people have "achieved great successes in accomplishing the just cause of defending the dignity and security of their country ... while braving all sorts of challenges and hardships," Kim said in a message to Putin on the occasion of Russia Day, according to North's official Korean Central News Agency. "The Korean people extend full support and encouragement to them."

Kim's apparent reference to the unprovoked attack against Ukraine as a "just cause" for defending Russia's security is the latest sign that illustrates decades-old close bilateral ties between the two countries.

Pyongyang has recently stressed its close ties with Moscow despite growing criticism from the international community on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Kim also expressed conviction that the friendly relations will continue to strengthen in all areas and in the "journey for defending the international justice and ensuring the global security."

In 2019, Kim held his first summit with Putin in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok. (Yonhap)