Kim Jong Un expressed unwavering support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during talks with Sergei Shoigu, reaffirming military cooperation and a mutual defense treaty. North Korea reportedly provides troops and weapons to Russia, raising suspicions of receiving military aid in return. Recent missile tests by North Korea coincide with US-South Korean military exercises, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine during a meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Security Council secretary, as reported by North Korean state media on March 22. This meeting occurred in Pyongyang and followed intelligence reports indicating that North Korea may have sent additional troops to Russia after heavy losses in the Ukraine conflict.
Discussions between Kim and Shoigu covered various topics, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia’s dialogues with the Trump administration, and security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a mutual defense treaty established in the previous year that pledges assistance in the case of aggression against either nation.
Kim expressed that North Korea will “invariably support Russia in the struggle for defending national sovereignty and security interests,” as reported by the Korean Central News Agency. Shoigu conveyed President Vladimir Putin’s greetings and expressed gratitude for North Korea’s support on critical geopolitical matters, specifically regarding Ukraine.
Details regarding any new agreements resulting from Shoigu’s visit were not disclosed prior to his departure from Pyongyang. Reports indicate that North Korea has supplied significant quantities of conventional weapons to Russia and has deployed between 10,000 to 12,000 troops to assist in the conflict.
Intelligence from South Korea suggests that North Korea may be receiving military and economic aid from Russia in exchange for its support and provisions of troops. Experts predict that North Korea’s backing may increase as it seeks to gain maximum advantages from its alliance with Russia before the conclusion of the war.
Shoigu’s trip may be a precursor to a prospective visit from Kim to Russia, following an invitation from President Putin during his last visit to Pyongyang. Observations from previous interactions, including arms exhibitions, indicate ongoing military cooperation between the two states.
On the day preceding Shoigu’s meeting, Kim oversaw testing of new anti-aircraft missiles, marking North Korea’s sixth weapons testing event of the year. This occurred concurrently with the conclusion of significant joint military exercises conducted by the US and South Korea, which North Korea interprets as invasion preparations.
The reaffirmation of support between North Korea and Russia signifies a deepening alliance in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As both nations engage in military and economic exchanges, the implications extend to regional security dynamics, especially regarding responses to US-South Korean military drills. Future developments may hinge on the potential visit of Kim Jong Un to Russia and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
