North Korea to Send Military Builders and Deminers to Russia

North Korea is dispatching military builders and deminers to Russia’s Kursk region to assist with reconstruction efforts following Ukraine’s incursions. This action follows a series of meetings between Russian Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, marking a strengthening of military ties amidst a shared geopolitical stance.

North Korea is set to send military builders and sappers to aid in the restoration of Russia’s Kursk region, following incursions from Ukraine. Russian news outlets reported an announcement made by Moscow’s security chief during a visit to Pyongyang on June 17. Sergei Shoigu, head of Russia’s Security Council, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, marking their second meeting in less than two weeks.

This move highlights North Korea’s status as a key ally to Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which has lasted more than three years thus far. Reports indicate that North Korea has already supplied thousands of troops to assist the Kremlin in countering Ukrainian forces in the Kursk area. Now, Pyongyang plans to send specialized military contingents for reconstruction purposes, including a division of builders and deminers. Shoigu mentioned this in his comments regarding the assistance, totaling around 5,000 military personnel and 1,000 deminers.

“This is a kind of fraternal assistance from the Korean people and leader Kim Jong Un to our country,” he noted. The meeting between Shoigu and Kim was described as occurring in a “congenial atmosphere of friendship and trust,” according to North Korean state media, which also reported that Kim reaffirmed plans for future collaboration without going into detail.

Additionally, discussions revolved around immediate cooperative efforts as well as long-term plans devised through letters exchanged between the leaders of both nations. Last year, Russia and North Korea established an extensive military agreement that includes a mutual defense clause during a rare visit by President Putin to North Korea, a country known for its nuclear capabilities. North Korea has also been accused of supplying ammunition and arms to Russia as part of support for its military operations in Ukraine.

In earlier encounters this month, Shoigu and Kim aimed to deepen bilateral ties, expressing a desire to transform their relationship into a “powerful and comprehensive strategic partnership.” This development marks a significant strengthening of relations as both countries navigate their respective challenges on the global stage.

In summary, North Korea’s decision to send military builders and deminers to Russia symbolizes a growing collaboration between the two nations in light of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. With a reported agreement to further develop their military partnership, the implications of this assistance might resonate across geopolitical lines, potentially affecting ongoing alliances and military strategies within the region.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com