North Korea Reaffirms Support for Russia’s War in Ukraine During Talks

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has reiterated support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with Sergei Shoigu. Discussions focused on military and economic cooperation, with North Korea reportedly sending troops and weapons to aid Russia. Both leaders reaffirmed their mutual defense treaty, indicating a strengthening of ties amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated his steadfast support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine during a recent meeting with Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. This meeting, which took place in Pyongyang, was reported by North Korean state media on March 22. It followed a South Korean intelligence assessment that North Korea may have sent additional troops to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, following significant casualties within Russian forces.

During the discussions, Kim and Shoigu addressed several critical matters, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia’s diplomatic relations with the Trump administration, alongside security concerns regarding the Korean Peninsula. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to uphold a mutual defense treaty established at a summit in Pyongyang last year, ensuring assistance in the event of aggression against either nation.

In his statements, Kim expressed his government’s intention to provide unwavering support for Russia in its endeavors to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Shoigu conveyed a message from President Vladimir Putin, affirming Russia’s dedication to honoring the agreements made during recent summits and appreciating North Korea’s alignment with Russia’s stance on significant geopolitical issues, particularly concerning Ukraine.

There was no mention of any new agreements emerging from Shoigu’s visit before his departure from Pyongyang. Reports indicate that North Korea has been supplying conventional weapons to Russia and has sent between 10,000 and 12,000 troops to assist in the conflict, per intelligence assessments from the United States, South Korea, and Ukraine.

The intelligence report from South Korea indicated ongoing efforts to determine the exact number of North Korean troops deployed to Russia, estimating recently dispatched soldiers to be between 1,000 and 3,000. Observers speculate North Korea is receiving military and economic aid in exchange for its military contributions to Russia, and analysts predict further military cooperation as North Korea seeks to gain maximum benefits prior to a potential conclusion of the conflict.

Furthermore, some analysts suggest that Shoigu’s visit may anticipate a forthcoming trip by Kim to Russia, following an invitation extended by Putin during his previous visit to North Korea. Earlier this year, Shoigu, then Russia’s Defence Minister, had a personal tour of a North Korean arms exhibition led by Kim, indicative of a strengthening partnership in military matters.

On the same day as Kim’s discussions with Shoigu, North Korean media reported missile test launches overseen by Kim, which were described as crucial advancements for the country’s defense capabilities. This latest round of weapons testing is part of a series of actions taken by North Korea in response to major US-South Korean military exercises, demonstrating the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

In conclusion, North Korea’s reaffirmed support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict highlights the strengthening ties between the two nations. The discussions between Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu reinforce commitments to mutual defense and military collaboration. With ongoing military assistance and troop deployments from North Korea to Russia, both countries are poised to enhance their partnership as they navigate the geopolitical landscape. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for international relations and regional security.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com