Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko visits North Korea amid a U.S. ceasefire proposal related to the Ukraine conflict. His role has been pivotal in strengthening Russia-North Korea ties since the war began. This visit highlights North Korea’s involvement in supporting Russian troops against Ukraine, with over 12,000 troops reported in the region.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko is currently on a visit to North Korea, as reported by state media KCNA. This visit arises in the context of a U.S. ceasefire proposal regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, where thousands of North Korean troops are believed to be assisting Russian military efforts, according to officials from Ukraine, the U.S., and South Korea.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Rudenko has played a key role in fostering ties between Russia and North Korea. He participated in earlier peace negotiations with Ukraine, demonstrating his importance in Russian diplomacy concerning the Korean Peninsula.
KCNA highlighted that Rudenko visited a significant monument in Pyongyang but did not disclose any additional information about the trip. Reports suggest that more than 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to assist Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk border area, as mentioned by Dorothy Shea, former deputy U.S. Ambassador to the UN.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently requested that Russian President Vladimir Putin spare Ukrainian soldiers being expelled from the Kursk region, an assurance Putin said he would consider if these troops surrendered.
The visit of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko to North Korea holds notable significance, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and North Korea’s military support for Russia. Rudenko’s role in expanding bilateral relations since the war began indicates a strategic partnership that could impact regional stability and international relations. The presence of North Korean troops in Russia underscores this alliance amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
