Russian Security Official Sergey Shoigu Visits North Korea for Talks with Kim Jong Un
Sergey Shoigu, a senior Russian security chief, visited North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un amidst rising military collaboration between the two nations. North Korea reportedly sent additional troops and supplied weapons to Russia for the Ukraine conflict. This visit may hint at further mutual defense talks and cooperation, coinciding with heightened tensions related to U.S.-South Korea military drills and North Korea’s missile tests.
On Friday, Sergey Shoigu, Russia’s Security Council secretary, visited North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un. This visit follows reports that North Korea has sent additional troops to support Russia’s efforts in the Ukraine war. Details regarding the discussions between Shoigu and Kim remain undisclosed, as per reports from Russian and North Korean state media.
Recently, North Korea has supplied extensive conventional armaments to Russia, with U.S. and South Korean intelligence estimating that about 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia last year. South Korea’s spy agency indicated that an additional 1,000 to 3,000 soldiers may have also been dispatched more recently.
There is growing concern that North Korea is receiving military and economic aid from Russia in exchange for weapons and troop support. Analysts believe that North Korea is likely to increase its assistance to Russia in order to maximize potential benefits before the conclusion of the war.
Shoigu’s visit could be connected to a potential visit by Kim to Russia, as Russian President Vladimir Putin had extended an invitation during his last trip to North Korea. In previous dealings, such as Shoigu’s 2023 visit where he was showcased a North Korean arms exhibition, discussions have reportedly centered on enhancing military cooperation.
Simultaneously, Kim oversaw missile test-launches, calling the new anti-aircraft missiles a significant addition to North Korea’s defense capabilities. These tests constitute North Korea’s sixth arms testing event this year, coinciding with joint military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea, which North Korea perceives as hostile preparations for invasion.
After these drills, North Korea’s Defense Ministry threatened severe consequences if the U.S. and South Korea continued similar military exercises, asserting that their recent drills included plans to destroy significant underground sites linked to its nuclear capabilities. South Korea cautioned North Korea against using these drills as a justification for provocation.
While Donald Trump has expressed openness to reviving nuclear diplomacy with North Korea, Kim has not publicly responded. Experts suggest that Kim’s current focus on supporting Russia’s military endeavors makes meaningful engagement with Trump unlikely until the conflict subsides.
The visit of Sergey Shoigu to North Korea signifies a strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. North Korea’s military support for Russia raises concerns about potential reciprocal benefits. Shoigu’s discussions with Kim and the context of military activities underscore the heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, the dynamics between the U.S., South Korea, and North Korea further complicate geopolitical stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bostonglobe.com
