North Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has acknowledged Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer of humanitarian aid following severe floods but has opted to decline assistance for now. Putin's letter expressed sympathy for North Korea's losses and extended support, but North Korean media omitted these condolences, highlighting only Putin's sympathy for the country and its leader. Kim thanked Putin and indicated that North Korea would manage recovery independently unless further aid were needed.

Kim's response contrasts with his reaction to South Korea's aid offer, which he rejected while criticizing South Korean media. This stance appears to be part of a narrative portraying Kim's leadership as capable of overcoming crises without foreign help. The floods in late July devastated regions near the Chinese border, destroying thousands of homes and causing unspecified fatalities. Despite the state media's portrayal of effective recovery under Kim's direction, external analysis suggests that the damage and casualties are more extensive.

Moreover, North Korea's unilateral release of water from the Hwanggang Dam without notifying South Korea has caused downstream flooding, highlighting ongoing tensions despite previous agreements for advance warnings.