Shoigu’s Second Visit to North Korea Amidst Rising Military Cooperation

Sergei Shoigu visits North Korea to meet Kim Jong-un, his second visit in six months. The meetings follow recent diplomatic engagements and North Korea’s military support for Russia in Ukraine, where approximately 12,000 troops were deployed. Additionally, North Korea is reportedly receiving drone development assistance from Moscow.

Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has visited North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong-un, marking his second trip in six months. Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang on March 21, as reported by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. Russian state media also confirmed that he plans to engage with Kim Jong-un and other officials during this visit.

Earlier in March, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko visited North Korea, meeting with Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui to discuss high-level political contacts. The frequency of these meetings suggests growing collaboration between North Korea and Russia amid military support from Pyongyang to Moscow in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Shoigu’s prior visit occurred in September 2024, emphasizing a strengthening relationship between the two nations. Reports indicate that during the past year, North Korea has deployed approximately 12,000 soldiers to assist Russia in Ukraine, with North Korean troops previously engaged in combat in the Kursk region, only to be temporarily withdrawn due to heavy casualties.

Additionally, North Korean forces are said to have received technical assistance from Russia for the development of various types of drones, further showcasing the military collaboration between the two nations. The increased military cooperation is particularly significant considering North Korea’s ongoing strategic interests in upping its defense capabilities through external support.

The visit of Sergei Shoigu to North Korea highlights the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea, particularly as they coordinate support in the conflict against Ukraine. With ongoing military aid and discussions on high-level political contacts, both nations appear to be enhancing their strategic partnership, with North Korea actively participating in military operations and technology development for defense purposes.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua