Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday for talks with North Korean military and political leaders, further deepening the two countries’ ties amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Belousov’s visit, though not immediately confirmed by North Korean state media, was reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense, which released images of Belousov walking alongside North Korean Defense Minister No Kyeong Chol on a red carpet at Pyongyang airport. The images showed North Korean military officials applauding under a banner that read: “Full support and solidarity with the Russian military and people.”
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Belousov praised the expanding relations between Russia and North Korea, particularly in military cooperation. “The friendly relations between Russia and North Korea are actively expanding across all areas, including military cooperation,” Belousov stated, as reported by Russian news agencies.
This visit comes just days after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with a Ukrainian delegation, led by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, in Seoul. The meeting emphasized the need for countermeasures against North Korea’s recent actions of sending troops to support Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has increasingly prioritized strengthening relations with Russia in recent months. As he seeks to break free from international isolation, Kim has embraced the concept of a “new Cold War,” aligning more closely with Moscow’s geopolitical interests.
Reports from the United States and its allies suggest that North Korea has sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia in recent weeks, with some of them reportedly engaged in combat operations in Ukraine.
The ongoing developments reflect a growing alignment between North Korea and Russia amid increasing tensions in global geopolitics. The meeting between Belousov and North Korean officials highlights how both nations are seeking to deepen their military and political cooperation, particularly as they face growing opposition from the West.
U.S. President Joe Biden remarked on Thursday that Russia’s latest offensive against Ukraine demonstrates the “urgency” of supporting Ukraine, calling for strong backing from the international community before Donald Trump’s potential return to office in January.
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to shape global alliances, North Korea’s continued support for Russia is reshaping geopolitical dynamics in the region, prompting concerns from Western nations about the growing influence of Russia and North Korea’s military collaboration.
