Seoul (TDI): A senior Russian security figure has made a second trip to Pyongyang this month, reportedly to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signaling further tightening of relations between Moscow and Pyongyang amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Russia’s state-run Tass news agency, Sergey Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, landed in North Korea’s capital on what was described as a “special” assignment from President Vladimir Putin.
The exact purpose of his visit has not been disclosed, and North Korean media has yet to release an official statement.
Kim Jong Un’s government has been widely accused of sending military aid to support Russia’s campaign in Ukraine. This includes large quantities of artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and even manpower.
Read More: Russia Ratifies Defense Treaty with North Korea
In exchange, analysts believe Pyongyang may be seeking advanced military technologies from Moscow, a concern shared by both Washington and Seoul.
Back in April, both countries publicly acknowledged for the first time that North Korean troops had been sent to Russia.
These soldiers are reportedly involved in joint operations with Russian forces in the border region of Kursk, which has seen repeated clashes with Ukrainian forces.
President Putin publicly expressed gratitude for North Korea’s contribution and assured that their sacrifices would be remembered.
Read More: North Korea fuels Russia’s firepower
During Shoigu’s earlier visit on June 4, Kim reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Russia, particularly in the Ukraine conflict and broader international matters.
North Korean media described their discussions as a reaffirmation of a deepening strategic alliance.
Reports also indicated that both sides explored ways to rehabilitate areas in the Kursk region and discussed how to honor the role of North Korean soldiers in the fighting.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
