North Korea will send builders and deminers to assist Russia’s Kursk region following Ukraine’s incursions. This was confirmed during discussions between Shoigu and Kim Jong Un. North Korea is emerging as a key ally for Russia in its Ukraine offensive, sending troops and military support. The two nations aim to bolster their military cooperation, reflecting a strategic partnership.
In a significant move, North Korea is set to dispatch military builders and deminers to Russia, specifically aimed at assisting the reconstruction of the Kursk region following Ukraine’s incursions. This information surfaced from Russian news agencies on June 17 and was confirmed during a visit by Sergei Shoigu, who heads Russia’s Security Council, to Pyongyang.
This trip marked the second time Shoigu has met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in less than two weeks. During these discussions, they talked about various cooperation efforts, especially in military and construction aid. North Korea has increasingly become a key ally for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, supplying thousands of troops to aid in efforts to reclaim control over the Kursk area.
Details from Shoigu indicated that North Korea would be sending a total of 6,000 personnel—this includes a division of builders and two military brigades, as well as an additional 1,000 deminers. Shoigu noted this assistance demonstrates a fraternal gesture from Kim Jong Un and the people of Korea towards Russia.
Reports from North Korean state media characterized the recent meetings as taking place in a friendly and trusting environment. Kim reiterated his commitment to the plans for expanded cooperation, although specifics were not disclosed.
The discussions held between Shoigu and Kim also touched upon immediate cooperation and long-term strategies to fulfill agreements made through a series of personal letters exchanged between the leaders over the past weeks, as per the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA).
The foundation for this military partnership was laid last year when Russia and North Korea struck a broad defense agreement, which notably included a mutual defense clause. This agreement came during a rare visit by President Vladimir Putin to North Korea, emphasizing the strengthening ties between the two nations. Reports suggest that North Korea has been actively supplying arms to Russia as support for its ongoing military engagement in Ukraine. Shoigu and North Korean officials expressed a desire to further strengthen their relations, aiming for robust strategic partnerships moving forward, according to KCNA.
North Korea’s commitment to sending military builders and deminers to Russia underscores the deepening ties between the two nations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As they seek to strengthen their military and cooperative agreements, this move signals a continuation of Russian reliance on North Korean support. The strategic partnership, highlighted by recent talks, suggests that both countries are aiming for long-term collaboration in military efforts and reconstruction.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
