Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Security Council Secretary, visits North Korea for the second time in six months to engage with Kim Jong-un. This visit follows another diplomatic encounter by Russian Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko earlier in March, highlighting escalating military cooperation, including North Korea’s support in the Ukraine conflict.
Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has made his second visit to North Korea within a six-month period to meet with Kim Jong-un, as reported by the South Korean news agency Yonhap. Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang on March 21, where he is expected to hold discussions with Kim and other high-ranking North Korean officials regarding bilateral relations.
Earlier in March, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko also traveled to North Korea, meeting with Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. Discussions during this visit concentrated on enhancing political communication at both high and top governmental levels, demonstrating an eagerness for stronger ties between the two nations.
These recent diplomatic engagements occur amid ongoing military cooperation, with North Korea reportedly providing military support to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Notably, Shoigu’s previous visit to Pyongyang took place in September 2024, further solidifying this ongoing relationship.
In recent developments, North Korea has allegedly dispatched thousands of troops to Russia to participate in the ongoing war against Ukraine, with estimates suggesting around 12,000 North Korean soldiers may have been deployed. Their participation has been notable in the Kursk region, although they faced heavy casualties and were temporarily withdrawn before being redeployed to continue combat operations.
Additionally, South Korean intelligence sources indicate that North Korea has sent supplementary troops to assist Russia. Furthermore, reports from Asian media state that North Korea is receiving technological support from Moscow in the development of various drone technologies.
In summary, Sergei Shoigu’s visit to North Korea underscores the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea amidst the backdrop of military cooperation, particularly in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. With recent high-level meetings and North Korea’s contributions of troops and technical support, the bilateral relationship appears to be evolving considerably, signaling a closer alliance moving forward.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
