North Korea has played a growing role in supporting Russia during its war in Ukraine.
Reports suggest that over 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to aid Russia’s military efforts. In return, Moscow is believed to have provided Pyongyang with oil, gas, and advanced weaponry.
As tensions continue to rise, North Korea and Russia are strengthening their partnership even further, according to Digi24.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov to discuss expanding military ties.
The meeting, held in Pyongyang, focused on ways to deepen their strategic partnership. According to North Korean state media, the talks were productive and resulted in a "satisfactory consensus."
Trading Military Support
Discussions included cooperation on defense and measures to protect the sovereignty and security of both nations.
Kim stated that Belousov’s visit would boost mutual trust and advance friendly relations between the two armies.
Russia and North Korea recently formalized their military alliance with a mutual defense treaty ratified in November.
Before his meeting with Kim, Belousov held talks with North Korea’s defense minister, No Kwang Chol. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening ties on various levels.
The Russian Ministry of Defense described the discussions as comprehensive and cooperative.
These developments come at a time of increased collaboration between the two countries. North Korea is accused of supplying troops to Russia, while Moscow has reportedly sent anti-aircraft missiles to Pyongyang.
Observers believe the two nations are trading military support for critical resources as they face mounting international pressure.
Belousov’s visit also took place shortly after the U.S. authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russian territory. Russia claimed to have intercepted two British Storm Shadow missiles fired by Ukraine.
Kim Jong Un criticized what he called the West’s "direct military intervention" in the conflict.
