Sergei Shoigu, a senior Russian security official, visited North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un after North Korea sent troops to support Russia in Ukraine. The visit, reflecting ongoing military cooperation, highlights North Korea’s military contributions, including significant troop deployments and weapons supplies. North Korea has also conducted new missile tests amid rising tensions with the U.S. and South Korea, raising speculations about future diplomatic interactions.
A senior Russian security official, Sergei Shoigu, visited North Korea to engage with leader Kim Jong Un following North Korea’s recent military support for Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This visit, confirmed by the North Korean state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), does not disclose specific discussion points but indicates continued collaboration between Russia and North Korea. Reports highlight prior troop contributions from North Korea to Russia’s military efforts, alongside conventional weapons supplies.
Intelligence from various nations suggests that North Korea has dispatched an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 troops to support Russia since last year, with more recent deployments ranging between 1,000 to 3,000 troops occurring in late February. Observers speculate on the potential for economic and military reciprocity between the two nations, as North Korea may seek benefits from Russia as the conflict evolves.
Shoigu’s current trip coincides with discussions regarding a possible visit by Kim to Russia and follows a friendship enhancement pact that was signed during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in 2024. Shoigu’s history with North Korea includes a notable arms exhibition tour in 2023, underscoring ongoing military cooperation.
Furthermore, this visit comes in the wake of North Korea conducting missile tests, which Kim claims bolster national defense. These activities coincide with joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises, prompting North Korean threats against potential provocations. Despite diplomatic overtures from former U.S. President Donald Trump, experts believe Kim is unlikely to pursue dialogue while focused on supporting Russia in the ongoing war.
The meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signals a deepening military and strategic alliance amid the Ukraine conflict. North Korea’s troop contributions and military support to Russia illustrate a significant partnership that raises geopolitical tensions, especially with ongoing missile tests and U.S.-South Korean military collaborations. As the situation evolves, North Korea’s future diplomatic engagements may hinge on the outcomes of the conflict.
Original Source: www.thejournal.ie
