Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea to meet Kim Jong-un for the second time in six months. The meeting emphasizes growing political and military ties, especially as North Korea aids Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Previous visits by Russian officials indicate ongoing collaboration in military matters, including the deployment of North Korean troops and developing drone technology.
On March 21, Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, arrived in North Korea for a second meeting with leader Kim Jong-un within a six-month timeframe. His visit, reported by South Korean news agency Yonhap, follows an earlier trip in September 2024, reinforcing the ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two nations. Russian state media indicates that Shoigu will engage in discussions with Kim Jong-un and other North Korean officials during his stay.
Earlier this month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko also visited North Korea, where he conferred with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. Their discussions reportedly centered on arranging “political contacts at the high and top levels.” These interactions are notable, particularly as North Korea has been providing military assistance to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In late 2022, North Korea reportedly deployed approximately 12,000 soldiers to Russia to assist in its operations in Ukraine. Reports indicate that these forces have been involved in combat in the Kursk region but faced heavy losses, leading to temporary withdrawal before being reintegrated into combat scenarios. Additionally, South Korean intelligence suggests that North Korea has sent more troops to bolster Russian efforts in the region.
Moreover, several Asian media outlets have reported that North Korea is receiving technical support from Moscow for the development of various drone technologies. This collaboration underscores the increasing military ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict.
The recent visit by Sergei Shoigu to North Korea signifies the strengthening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, particularly in military collaboration. With North Korea continuing to provide support to Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, the ongoing dialogues at high levels will likely enhance this partnership further. Such developments highlight the geopolitical complexities as both nations navigate the challenges posed by the current international conflicts.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
