The Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed yesterday Saturday to the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un its willingness to immediately provide humanitarian aid to areas affected by July’s devastating floods, according to the Pyongyang News Agency (KCNA).

Kim thanked the Kremlin strongman but rejected the offer, stressing that “necessary measures have already been taken.” However, he added that if he needs help later, he will not hesitate to ask “sincere friends in Moscow” for it, KCNA reports.

“You can always count on our help and support,” the Russian president stressed in his message to Kim Jong Unaccording to the Kremlin announcement.

The day before, the North Korean leader had blamed its media South Korea that they are spreading “false rumours” about the floods that hit the north of his country. South Korean reports put the death toll at up to 1,500, but Kim Jong Un claims there were no casualties and that more than 5,000 people were rescued.

According to the meteorological service in Seoulsome areas of North Korea experienced the heaviest rainfall in 29 years in July.

On Thursday, the South Korean government offered to send humanitarian aid, but the Pyongyang he ignored her.