Russian President Vladimir Putin praised North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday, saying that the head of state has outperformed his adversaries, according to the Kremlin-backed outlet Russia Today.

In comments made by the Russian President speaking with Russian journalists during a meeting with domestic media outlets, Putin described Kim as “already an absolutely shrewd and mature politician.”

“I believe, Mr Kim Jong-un has certainly won this round,” Putin said of the North Korean leader.

Kim Jong Un “has a nuclear (charge) and a … missile with a range of up to 13,000 kilometers that can reach almost any