Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday, thanking Pyongyang for its ongoing support in Russia's war against Ukraine, according to Russian state media. The visit underscores the deepening military ties between the two countries, as intelligence officials report significant North Korean involvement in Russia's military operations.
Shoigu, a key ally of President Vladimir Putin, expressed Moscow's appreciation during his two-hour meeting with Kim, reported TASS. "I would like to express my gratitude to our Korean friends for solidarity with Russia's position on all critical geopolitical issues and on the Ukrainian issue in particular," Shoigu stated.
North Korea has been accused by U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian officials of providing Russia with large quantities of artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and deploying up to 12,000 troops, many reportedly fighting in Russia's eastern Kursk region. South Korea's spy agency previously estimated that between 1,000 and 3,000 additional North Korean soldiers were dispatched earlier this year.
Shoigu emphasized the "achieved level of strategic relations" between Moscow and Pyongyang, adding that Russia is "committed to deepen them." Analysts say North Korea is leveraging the war to secure military technology, economic assistance, and other support from Russia, as it seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing international isolation.
The visit also comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. A day before Shoigu's arrival, North Korea announced it had test-launched new anti-aircraft missiles. State media outlet Korean Central News Agency reported Kim oversaw the launches, calling them "another major defense weapons system." The test coincided with the conclusion of an 11-day joint military drill between the U.S. and South Korea, which Pyongyang has labeled as provocative.
In a statement released by North Korea's foreign ministry, an unnamed official warned that the U.S. and South Korea will face the "gravest consequences they do not want" should similar joint exercises continue.
Shoigu's visit followed recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including Moscow's conditional agreement to halt strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure after Putin held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. While a full 30-day ceasefire proposed by Trump has not been endorsed, reports suggest limited pauses in Russian attacks may be underway. However, Ukraine's military accused Russia of bombing its own gas pipeline to sabotage the emerging ceasefire framework.
The strengthening relationship between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns in Western capitals. Last year, Putin visited Pyongyang and signed a major mutual defense pact with Kim. Observers speculate that Shoigu's trip may be laying groundwork for Kim's potential visit to Moscow, further formalizing the alliance.
North Korea and Russia have historically denied reports of troop deployments. Yet, in October 2024, Putin notably refrained from denying North Korean boots on Russian soil, and Pyongyang has insisted that such involvement would be lawful.
