Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Security Council Secretary, visits North Korea for discussions with Kim Jong-un, marking the second visit in six months. This follows Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko’s earlier meeting and coincides with North Korea’s military assistance to Russia in its Ukraine conflict. The relationship includes the dispatch of North Korean troops to Russia and technological assistance in drone development.
Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has made a visit to North Korea to engage with leader Kim Jong-un. The meeting commenced on March 21 in Pyongyang, marking Shoigu’s second visit in six months. Russian state media indicated that discussions will involve several North Korean officials alongside Kim Jong-un.
The recent visit follows the earlier trip of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, who also traveled to North Korea this month. Rudenko’s discussions, conducted with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, centered on establishing high-level political contacts, further reflecting the trend of burgeoning diplomatic relations.
These diplomatic encounters occur against a background of North Korea reportedly supplying military aid to Russia amid its conflict with Ukraine. Shoigu’s previous visit to Pyongyang was in September 2024, indicating ongoing ties between the two nations.
Reports indicate that North Korea has previously deployed approximately 12,000 troops to Russia to support military actions in Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region. Although these troops faced significant losses leading to a temporary withdrawal, they have been redeployed for continued operations. South Korean intelligence corroborates these troop movements, indicating consistent North Korean support for Russia.
In addition to military personnel, North Korea is reportedly collaborating with Russia for technical assistance aimed at enhancing its drone capabilities. This cooperative effort signifies an expansion of military ties in technological realms, further intertwining the two nations’ agendas in regional conflicts.
The visit of Russia’s Security Council Secretary, Sergei Shoigu, to North Korea underscores the evolving diplomatic and military relationship between the two nations. With North Korea’s ongoing military support for Russia in Ukraine and advancements in drone technology, this partnership potentially reshapes regional dynamics. As both nations continue high-level discussions, their cooperation may further solidify amidst international tensions.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
