North Korea to Send Military Construction Workers, Deminers to…

North Korea plans to send military construction workers and deminers to Russia’s Kursk region, as reported by Russian state media. This cooperation, announced during a visit by Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu, signifies a growing military alliance between the two nations in light of ongoing tensions related to the Ukraine conflict. In total, North Korea will contribute 6,000 personnel, enhancing military collaboration and support for Russia’s war efforts.

In a notable development, North Korea is set to dispatch military builders and deminers to aid in the reconstruction of Russia’s Kursk region, according to Russian news sources. This announcement comes from Moscow’s security chief following a trip to Pyongyang, emphasizing the growing military ties between the two nations amidst ongoing tensions from the war in Ukraine.

Russian state agency RIA Novosti reported on Tuesday that Sergei Shoigu, a top security official, indicated that North Korea would send 1,000 deminers alongside approximately 5,000 military construction workers to assist in recovery efforts. This collaboration signals a deepening alliance as both countries seek mutual support in the face of international challenges.

Shoigu remarked on the recent cooperation in rebuilding efforts, stating, “Following the expulsion of invaders from Russian soil, we’ve agreed to continue our constructive cooperation, with the Korean side providing assistance in the restoration of the Kursk region,” as gathered by RIA Novosti.

North Korea has reportedly already contributed troops and conventional arms to Russia’s efforts in Ukraine, raising concerns in Washington and Seoul. Both have suggested that North Korea may be looking for technological advances from Russia, potentially to bolster its own nuclear weapon capabilities.

Earlier visits have set the stage for this assistance. Shoigu’s recent trip to Pyongyang included discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un about rebuilding Kursk. While Shoigu arrived under an undisclosed “special” mission from Putin, details of the trip were not immediately confirmed by North Korean state media.

In April, North Korea’s military role in Russia was publicly acknowledged for the first time, with both nations indicating their troops were collectively defending against Ukrainian threats near the Kursk border. Putin expressed gratitude for North Korea’s contributions and emphasized the importance of their joint efforts during the conflict.

Both countries seem entrenched in this military collaboration, as illustrated by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, which reported that North Korea has suffered approximately 4,700 casualties, including around 600 fatalities, at the frontlines. In addition, about 15,000 North Korean workers have reportedly been sent to Russia under various bilateral initiatives.

This development underlines the escalating ties between North Korea and Russia as they find common cause amid global scrutiny and isolation.

In summary, North Korea’s plan to send military construction workers and deminers to support Russia’s Kursk region showcases an ongoing and deepening military partnership between the two countries. This cooperation is a response to their mutual interests amidst international conflict and scrutiny. As they continue to work closely, the geopolitical implications for the region and the broader international community will likely remain significant.

Original Source: www.france24.com