Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, agreeing to enhance military collaboration between their two reclusive nations, according to North Korean state media.
The United States and South Korea have alleged that nuclear-armed North Korea has dispatched over 10,000 soldiers to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Experts suggest that Mr. Kim is keen to acquire advanced technology and combat experience for his troops in exchange.
During his meeting with Mr. Belousov yesterday, Mr. Kim criticized the recent decision by Western powers to allow Kyiv to launch strikes within Russia using their armament, describing it as a “direct military intervention in the conflict,” as reported by KCNA.
“It is an exercise of the right to self-defence for Russia to take decisive action to make the hostile forces face consequences,” Mr. Kim purportedly stated.
According to KCNA, Mr. Belousov’s visit “would significantly contribute to strengthening the defense capabilities of the two countries and… fostering friendly, mutual cooperation and the development of relations between their armed forces.”
In a statement, Mr. Belousov expressed appreciation for the deepening ties between the two nations and commended North Korea’s “completely independent foreign policy.”
Experts suggest that North Korea may be leveraging the situation in Ukraine to realign its foreign policy.
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un formalized a strategic partnership in June (File image).
By sending soldiers, North Korea is strategically positioning itself within the Russian war economy, serving as a provider of weapons, military assistance, and labor—potentially even bypassing its traditional ally, neighbor, and main trading partner, China, according to analysts.
Russia also provides access to extensive natural resources like oil and gas, they noted.
Mr. Belousov is well-positioned to facilitate such arrangements, according to Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, who referred to the Russian official as “an economic expert without a military background.”
As Russia’s defense chief, he specializes in “long-term strategies for securing weapons and military supplies, evading sanctions, and overseeing post-war reconstruction,” Mr. Hong explained.
Unwavering Support
Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, military ties between Russia and North Korea have strengthened.
Both nations are facing multiple UN sanctions—the former due to its nuclear weapons program and the latter in connection with the Ukraine conflict.
Following US president-elect Donald Trump’s victory earlier this month, the Biden administration has intensified its support for Kyiv, supplying additional weaponry and granting Ukraine the authority to launch long-range missiles into Russian territory.
Mr. Kim declared that his government, military, and people would “steadfastly support the policy of the Russian Federation in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Earlier this month, North Korea confirmed the ratification of a significant defense agreement with Russia after Russian politicians unanimously approved the deal, which Mr. Putin subsequently signed.
On Wednesday, South Korea and Ukraine announced plans to enhance security cooperation in response to the “threat” posed by the deployment of North Korean troops, yet did not mention any potential arms shipments.
President Yoon Suk Yeol stated earlier this month that South Korea was “not ruling out the possibility of providing weapons” to Ukraine, signaling a considerable shift from its longstanding policy against arms sales to nations engaged in active conflict.
