Русский
Russia’s Defense Minister, Andrey Belousov has arrived in North Korea on a working visit for talks with the country’s top leadership and armed forces command. The Defense Ministry stated that “As part of the visit, top Russian defense officials will meet with North Korea’s top leaders and armed forces command in Pyongyang. The Minister will also participate in ceremonial and commemorative events.”
At Pyongyang airport, Belousov was met by his North Korean counterpart Army General No Kwang Chol. During discussions in Pyongyang, Russia and North Korea agreed to “long-term” military cooperation. Belousov said “We agreed with the DPRK defence ministry to place our military cooperation on a stable, long-term footing. The agreement will cover the period from 2027 to 2031.” This suggests that Moscow may be expecting the Ukraine conflict to drag on for several more years.
North Korea has sent thousands of troops – as well as missiles and munitions – to support Russia’s special operations campaign in Ukraine. In return, analysts say North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology, food and energy from Russia.
The North Korean President, Kim Jong-un said North Korea “would continue to fully support Russia’s policies of defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests.” Kim has steadily moved to elevate the North Korean troops who fought for Russia in the Kursk region into symbols of sacrifice and loyalty, using state ceremonies and memorial projects to publicly honour their role. “The souls of the fallen will live forever with the great honour they defended” Kim said in a handwritten message at the memorial on Sunday (April 26). Belousov meanwhile awarded the Russian Medal for Courage to North Korean troops during a ceremony in Pyongyang.
