Russian Security Adviser Visits North Korea Amid Strengthening Ties

Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s top security adviser, has arrived in North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un. This visit underscores the increasing security ties between North Korea and Russia, amid reports of North Korea allegedly sending troops and military aid to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Neither country has confirmed these military exchanges but emphasizes their strategic partnership established in 2024.

Sergei Shoigu, the top security adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has arrived in North Korea for discussions with its leader, Kim Jong Un. This visit marks a significant development in the growing security relationship between Russia and North Korea, as reported by the TASS news agency. However, further details of the meeting have not been disclosed, nor has North Korean state media acknowledged Shoigu’s arrival.

Previously, Shoigu, who served as Russia’s defense minister until May 2023 and became the secretary of the Security Council thereafter, visited Pyongyang amidst indications that North Korea was preparing to send troops to join Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. Reports from American and South Korean officials suggest that North Korea may have deployed approximately 11,000 soldiers to support Russian forces fighting in the Kursk region, alongside supplying heavy weaponry, including artillery and ballistic missiles.

As Russian military operations in Kursk continue against a Ukrainian offensive, North Korea is thought to have received various forms of aid from Moscow, including military technology and economic assistance in exchange for its support. Although neither North Korea nor Russia has officially confirmed the deployment of troops and weapons, they maintain a strategic partnership established by a treaty signed by Putin and Kim in June 2024, which includes a mutual defense agreement to support each other in case of an attack.

The recent visit of Sergei Shoigu to North Korea highlights the accelerating security collaboration between Russia and North Korea, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite the lack of official confirmation regarding troop deployments, reports indicate significant military support being exchanged between the two nations under the strategic partnership they have formed. This partnership may have substantial implications for regional security.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk