Kim Jong Un reaffirmed North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during talks with Sergei Shoigu. Both leaders discussed their mutual defense treaty and cooperation, amid reports of North Korea supplying troops and weapons to Russia. The relationship pivots on geopolitical dynamics and military exchanges, with potential implications for future alliances.
On March 22, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated his support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during discussions with Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Security Council Secretary, in Pyongyang. This meeting followed reports from South Korean intelligence, which suggested that North Korea had possibly deployed additional troops to Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
During their talks, Kim and Shoigu addressed several topics, including the war in Ukraine, the dialogues between Moscow and the Trump administration, and security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula. Both leaders confirmed their commitment to a major mutual defense treaty established during a summit in Pyongyang last year, promising mutual assistance in the event of aggression.
Kim emphasized his government’s continual support for Russia’s efforts to maintain national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Shoigu delivered greetings from President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the importance of complying with prior agreements and acknowledging North Korea’s solidarity on crucial geopolitical matters.
North Korea has reportedly supplied conventional weapons to Russia and sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops in the past, with estimates indicating that between 1,000 to 3,000 additional soldiers may have been recently deployed. There are suspicions that North Korea is receiving economic and military aid from Russia in return for these troops and resources.
Speculation suggests Shoigu’s visit may be preparatory for Kim’s potential trip to Russia, following an invitation from Putin during a previous summit. Additionally, Kim recently oversaw test launches of new anti-aircraft missiles, marking North Korea’s ongoing military developments as responses to US-South Korean military activities deemed as preparations for invasion.
The reaffirmation of support for Russia by North Korea highlights the deepening ties between the two nations amid the conflict in Ukraine. With ongoing military collaborations and potential future visits, both countries seek to strengthen their strategic partnerships. This relationship carries significant geopolitical implications, particularly in light of North Korea’s military enhancements and the backdrop of significant U.S. military exercises in the region.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
