North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. They discussed mutual defense obligations and potential troop support, with North Korea believed to be providing military assistance in exchange for economic aid from Russia. Kim emphasized unwavering support for Russia’s territorial integrity and security interests amidst ongoing military cooperation.
During a recent meeting with Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated his full support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, as reported by North Korean state media. This discussion aligns with a South Korean intelligence assessment suggesting that North Korea has increased its troop deployments to Russia, providing critical support in the ongoing conflict after Russian forces incurred significant losses.
In their talks, Kim and Shoigu addressed various topics, including the strategic dialogue with the Trump administration and the security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula. They reaffirmed a commitment to the mutual defense treaty established during a summit in Pyongyang last year, which ensures assistance between the two nations in times of aggression.
Kim asserted that North Korea would “invariably support Russia in the struggle for defending the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests,” according to North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency. Shoigu relayed greetings from President Vladimir Putin, commending North Korea for its solidarity regarding crucial geopolitical matters, notably concerning Ukraine.
Despite ongoing discussions, North Korean and Russian media did not indicate any new agreements reached prior to Shoigu’s departure. According to intelligence reports from the US and South Korea, North Korea has supplied considerable conventional weapons to Russia and has dispatched approximately 10,000 to 12,000 troops. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service is currently investigating the extent of recent troop deployments, estimating an additional 1,000 to 3,000 North Korean soldiers.
There are suspicions that North Korea is trading weapons and military support for economic assistance from Russia, suggesting a potential increase in support as the war continues. Observers note that Shoigu’s visit could be linked to preparations for an anticipated visit from Kim to Russia, following an invitation extended by Putin during a previous summit.
Kim has been closely monitoring military capabilities, recently overseeing the testing of new anti-aircraft missiles, which he described as an important defense asset. Amidst these developments, North Korea has continued its pattern of responding to US-South Korean military drills with provocative weapons tests, including missile launches coinciding with major military exercises by US and South Korean forces.
In summary, North Korea is reaffirming its support for Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while actively engaging in military collaboration through troop deployments and arms supply. The recent discussions between Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu underscore the strengthening ties between the two nations, driven by mutual strategic interests. As North Korea continues to enhance its military capabilities, both countries appear poised to benefit from their alliance in response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
