Russian Security Official Sergei Shoigu Meets North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un
Sergei Shoigu, a key Russian security figure, has met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea amid ongoing military collaboration. Reports indicate North Korea has dispatched troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. The dynamics between the two nations emphasize mutual benefits as North Korea seeks economic gains in return for military assistance.
A high-ranking Russian security official has traveled to North Korea to engage with leader Kim Jong Un. This visit follows reports that North Korea has dispatched additional troops to Russia to support its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Sergei Shoigu, the Russia Security Council secretary, has arrived in Pyongyang and is expected to meet with leading North Korean officials, including Mr. Kim, although the specifics of their discussions remain undisclosed.
The official North Korean news agency confirmed Mr. Shoigu’s delegation’s arrival but refrained from elaborating on the visit’s objectives. This meeting comes amidst a recent agreement between Ukraine and Russia on a limited ceasefire, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The timeline for the ceasefire’s implementation remains uncertain, as do the specific terms regarding permissible military targets.
North Korea is alleged to have provided a substantial supply of conventional armaments to Russia, including an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 troops last autumn, as reported by intelligence officials from the United States, South Korea, and Ukraine. Moreover, a South Korean intelligence agency indicated that North Korea recently sent an additional 1,000 to 3,000 troops to Russia.
The collaboration is suspected to be mutually beneficial, with North Korea possibly receiving economic and military aid in exchange for its military support. Analysts project that North Korea is likely to enhance its support for Russia to extract maximum benefits before the conflict concludes. Some observers speculate that Mr. Shoigu’s visit may relate to a potential visit to Russia by Mr. Kim, following President Vladimir Putin’s invitation during their previous meeting in June 2024.
In prior engagements, Mr. Shoigu, who was then the defense minister, received a personal tour of a North Korean arms exhibition in 2023, which was met with critiques likening it to a sales pitch. Similarly, in September 2024, Mr. Shoigu, now in his security council role, engaged in discussions with Mr. Kim to expand cooperation between the two nations, as reported by North Korean state media.
On a related note, Mr. Kim has recently overseen missile test launches, with state media reporting him referring to the missiles as “another major defense weapons system” for North Korea. These launches, which mark the sixth weapons testing activity of the year, coincided with the conclusion of extensive U.S.-South Korean military exercises, perceived as rehearsals for invasion by North Korea.
In response to the U.S.-South Korean drills, North Korea’s defense ministry has issued warnings about dire consequences should similar activities recur, alleging provocative simulations aimed at undermining its nuclear capabilities. The South Korean Unification Ministry has cautioned North Korea against exploiting defensive drills as a rationale for provocations.
While President Trump has indicated a willingness to re-engage with Mr. Kim regarding nuclear negotiations, North Korea has not publicly acknowledged this overture. Experts suggest that Mr. Kim, currently focused on supporting Russia in its conflict, may not prioritize such diplomatic efforts. However, there is potential for renewed interest post-conflict, given the history of their discussions on nuclear disarmament from 2018 to 2019 that ultimately collapsed over disagreements related to sanctions.
The visit of Sergei Shoigu to North Korea signifies a potentially pivotal moment in the collaboration between Russia and North Korea amidst ongoing military tensions and troop support regarding Ukraine. As both nations navigate their military and economic relationships, analysts predict that North Korea will intensify its support to maximize its gains from Russia. Observers also highlight the implications of Mr. Shoigu’s visit for future diplomatic initiatives, particularly concerning Mr. Kim’s potential outreach towards the U.S. and President Trump in the aftermath of the conflict.
Original Source: www.hexham-courant.co.uk
