Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s security adviser, has arrived in North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un, indicating strengthened security ties. His visit follows allegations of North Korea deploying troops to support Russia in Ukraine. Both nations have not officially confirmed these military collaborations but are committed to a mutual defense treaty established in 2024.
Sergei Shoigu, President Vladimir Putin’s top security adviser, has recently arrived in North Korea for discussions with its leader, Kim Jong Un, as reported by the TASS news agency. This visit signifies a notable enhancement in security relations between Russia and North Korea, although specific details surrounding the meeting remain undisclosed, and state media in North Korea have yet to confirm his arrival.
Shoigu, who previously served as Russia’s defense minister until May and has been the secretary of the Security Council since then, has visited Pyongyang on prior occasions. His visits have coincided with North Korea’s increasing involvement purportedly sending troops to support Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
American and South Korean intelligence sources report that North Korea has deployed approximately 11,000 troops to combat in Russia’s Kursk region and has allegedly supplied artillery and ballistic missiles. Russian forces have been involved in preventing a Ukrainian advance in the region since last summer, with reports indicating they are close to reclaiming control.
It is widely believed that North Korea has benefitted from Moscow, receiving both military and civilian technology, alongside economic support, in return for its contributions. While both nations have not openly acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops and weapons in Ukraine, they maintain their commitment to a strategic partnership treaty established in June 2024, which includes provisions for mutual defense in instances of attack.
The arrival of Sergei Shoigu in North Korea represents a significant development in the deepening security collaboration between Russia and North Korea. This relationship is marked by North Korea’s potential military support for Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict and the reinforcement of a mutual defense pact signed in 2024. Both countries are reaping benefits from this partnership, although the specifics remain largely unreported by mainstream media.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
