Sergei Shoigu Visits North Korea, Signifying Strengthened Military Ties
Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Security Council Secretary, visited North Korea to meet Kim Jong-un. This marks his second trip in six months, emphasizing the strengthening military ties between Russia and North Korea amidst North Korea’s support in the Ukraine conflict. Reports indicate North Korea’s troop deployments and technical assistance in drone development for Russia.
On March 21, Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, made a visit to North Korea, marking his second trip in six months. His agenda includes discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and other officials, as reported by the South Korean news agency Yonhap. This meeting follows a recent visit by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, who engaged with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui regarding elevated political interactions.
These diplomatic encounters occur amid reports of North Korea providing military support to Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine. Earlier, Shoigu had visited Pyongyang in September 2024 for similar discussions. The backdrop of these meetings highlights the growing military collaboration between the two nations.
North Korea’s military involvement in the Ukraine conflict has been significant, with reports indicating the deployment of around 12,000 North Korean troops to assist Russia. These forces have faced combat in the Kursk region and were temporarily withdrawn due to heavy casualties, with some redeployed for subsequent actions. Additionally, South Korean intelligence suggests that North Korea continues to send reinforcements to Russia.
Moreover, it has been reported that North Korea is receiving technical support from Moscow to advance the development of various drone technologies, further solidifying their military cooperation.
The recent visit of Sergei Shoigu to North Korea underscores the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, particularly amidst their mutual engagement in military operations. This relationship is marked by North Korea’s provision of troops to support Russia’s efforts in Ukraine and the development of military technology. As both nations seek to strengthen their collaboration, it is evident that their strategic partnership is evolving significantly.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
