Russian President Vladimir Putin praised North Korean soldiers for their role in retaking the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces during a recent call with Kim Jong Un, Al Jazeera reported. Kim thanked Putin and reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to their mutual defense treaty and support for Russia’s future actions.

The leaders agreed to stay in closer contact as Putin prepares to meet US President Donald Trump in Alaska to discuss a possible peace deal in Ukraine. Analysts see the call as a sign of growing ties between Russia and North Korea, which has sent thousands of troops to back Moscow’s war effort.

Trump expects to quickly gauge if a peace agreement is possible, which may involve land swaps between Russia and Ukraine, according to Al Jazeera.