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Foreign ministers

Russia's Lavrov to Visit North Korea Amid Deepening Ties

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's three-day visit to North Korea, set to begin on Friday, marks the latest sign of the countries' deepening ties amidst Russia's war in Ukraine. The visit comes after a previous trip by Russia's top security official, Sergei Shoigu, who met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. According to South Korea's spy agency, North Korea is expected to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Russia's Kursk region to help rebuild the war-torn area.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lavrov's visit to North Korea is a significant development in the countries' deepening ties, with Russia's war in Ukraine serving as a key driver of their strengthening partnership.
  • The visit follows a previous trip by Russia's top security official, Sergei Shoigu, who met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and discussed military aid and cooperation.
  • North Korea is expected to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Russia's Kursk region to help rebuild the war-torn area, as assessed by South Korea's spy agency.
  • Kim Jong Un has sent thousands of combat troops and large supplies of military equipment to help prolong Russia's war efforts against Ukraine, including artillery and ballistic missiles.
  • The dispatch of North Korean soldiers to Russia is expected to take place as early as July or August, with some 10,000 to 12,000 troops reportedly sent in the fall of last year.
  • North Korea has denied involvement in the war in Ukraine until April, when it acknowledged that its soldiers had fought alongside Russian forces to repel a Ukrainian incursion.
  • The two countries have signed a strategic partnership agreement pledging mutual aid if either country faces aggression, with Lavrov last visiting North Korea in June 2024.

Statistics:

  • South Korea's spy agency estimates North Korea will send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Russia's Kursk region.
  • Approximately 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia in the fall of last year, according to U.S., South Korean, and Japanese officials.
  • North Korea deployed an additional 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers to Russia earlier this year, as reported by South Korea.
  • Russia has acknowledged that North Korean soldiers fought alongside Russian forces in the war in Ukraine, first revealing this in April.

Sources:

  • Korean Central News Agency
  • Associated Press
  • Yonhap News Agency
  • South Korea's spy agency report
  • Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service
  • The article cited one source, " Telegram/Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service "

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