Putin Strengthens Ties with North Korea
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui to the Kremlin in a meeting that underscored the steadily expanding political and military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.
According to the Kremlin, Putin thanked the North Korean official for her country's support of what Russia continues to describe as its "special military operation" in Ukraine.
The meeting marks another step in the consolidation of the strategic alliance between the two nations, which has grown significantly in diplomatic, economic and military cooperation.
North Korean Troops in the Ukraine War
Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has intensified following the signing of their mutual defense treaty.
According to Russian officials, North Korea deployed approximately 14,000 troops to assist Russian forces in the Kursk region after Ukrainian troops launched a large cross-border offensive in August 2024.
Ukrainian forces held significant portions of territory inside Kursk for several months, forcing Moscow to reinforce its military presence. The Kremlin says North Korean troops played an important role in helping Russian forces repel the Ukrainian incursion.
The direct participation of North Korean soldiers has become one of the most significant examples of the growing international dimension of the conflict.
Kim Jong Un Reaffirms Support for Moscow
During the Kremlin meeting, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui delivered a message from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
According to the Kremlin, Kim recently reaffirmed North Korea's commitment to the comprehensive development of relations with the Russian Federation.
The statement signals Pyongyang's intention to transform its cooperation with Moscow into a long-term strategic partnership extending beyond military support to include economic, technological and diplomatic cooperation.
A Strategic Alliance Continues to Deepen
Over the past two years, Russia and North Korea have significantly expanded their political and military cooperation as both countries face growing international isolation.
Moscow increasingly views Pyongyang as a key strategic partner within the evolving geopolitical landscape, while North Korea sees Russia as an important source of economic, technological and political support.
The meeting between Putin and Choe Son Hui highlights the increasingly central role of the Russia-North Korea partnership in the Kremlin's foreign policy as the war in Ukraine continues.