A wounded soldier, suspected to be North Korean and captured by Ukrainian forces, is seen in this photo posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's X account, Jan. 11. Yonhap

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has encouraged and expressed gratitude to troops deployed to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine, in what appeared to be his New Year's message sent to them, according to a news report.

The Washington Post on Sunday (local time) published a report on handwritten pages relaying messages from Kim, dated from Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, saying that they may have been sent to the troops from Pyongyang or written down by North Korean soldiers who listened to their commanders read the messages from Kim out loud.

An image of one letter, dated Dec. 31, handwritten in blue ink and signed by Kim, showed him saying, "I don't even know how I can find the words to properly encourage and express gratitude for your dedication and tireless efforts."

The report said that it was found by Ukrainian special forces troops on a North Korean soldier in Russia's Kursk region.

"You experienced heartbreaking sacrifices and the joys of costly battle victories, many noble combat experiences, the priceless feeling of genuine camaraderie and patriotism, all so far away from the motherland," the letter also noted, adding, "I really miss you comrades."

The letter also wished the troops good health until their assigned military mission ends in victory and urged them to double down on courage in the fighting.

North Korea is estimated to have sent some 11,000 troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. Of those, about 300 are believed to have been killed, with some 2,700 others wounded, according to South Korea's spy agency, the National Intelligence Service. (Yonhap)