Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has touched down in North Korea, according to an announcement from Moscow’s defense ministry on Sunday. This marks the second high-ranking Russian official to make the journey to Pyongyang within just a few days.
North Korea’s official news agency KCNA had previously reported that Vyacheslav Volodin, who leads Russia’s State Duma, also traveled to the North Korean capital. Volodin is scheduled to participate in the dedication ceremony for a recently constructed monument honoring North Korean soldiers who lost their lives during combat in the Ukraine conflict.
According to Russia’s defense ministry, Belousov’s agenda includes meetings with North Korea’s highest-ranking leadership and military commanders, along with participation in “ceremonial and commemorative events.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a message via telegram to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in recognition of the memorial’s unveiling, the Kremlin announced.
In his communication, Putin expressed gratitude to Kim and North Korean forces for their assistance in pushing back a significant Ukrainian offensive in Russia’s Kursk region. Putin also conveyed his belief that both nations would continue building upon their strategic alliance.
The two leaders held a summit in June 2024, resulting in the signing of an extensive strategic agreement that features a mutual defense clause. Since 2023, both countries have accelerated the development of their diplomatic and military cooperation.
