A high-ranking Russian official arrived in North Korea Saturday to participate in ceremonies celebrating the country’s military support for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, according to reports from Russian state media.
Vyacheslav Volodin, who serves as speaker of Russia’s Duma and maintains close ties to President Vladimir Putin, was greeted by Jo Yong-won upon his arrival. Jo holds significant influence as a trusted advisor to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and leads the nation’s Supreme People’s Assembly, the Tass news agency confirmed.
Intelligence estimates indicate North Korea has contributed approximately 14,000 soldiers to assist Russian military operations against Ukrainian forces. International officials from South Korea, Ukraine, and Western nations report that more than 6,000 of these North Korean troops have been killed in combat.
The visit coincides with North Korea’s planned commemoration of what they term the “liberation of Kursk,” marking one year since Moscow announced it had retaken control of the disputed region from Ukrainian forces.
The military cooperation stems from a comprehensive strategic agreement signed by Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin during their June 2024 meeting. This treaty established a mutual defense arrangement between the two nations, whose diplomatic and military partnership has strengthened considerably since 2023.
