North Expresses Concern among Southern Regions Due to Deployment of 6,000 Troops to Russia
Firing Up the Reds: Kim Jong-un's New Bestie - Putin
Kim Jong-un, the supreme leader of North Korea, has been spending a lot of quality time with none other than Russia's president, Vladimir Putin. And it ain't just a love for cold weather that's keeping them together.
It's February 2025, and the bond between these two eccentric dictators seems to be stronger than ever. The U.S. government can't help but raise an eyebrow, labeling Russia's use of North Korean workers and soldiers for operations against Ukraine as "deeply concerning." But, hey, who are we to judge, right?
The friendship between these two world leaders goes deeper than just handshakes and smiles. They've inked a strategic partnership treaty, complete with a mutual defense clause, back in June 2024. That's right, these twoare officially each other's wingman, something that's causing quite a stir in the regional security landscape.
But it's not just symbolic cooperation. North Korea has been sending soldiers – both ammo and manpower – to support Russia's forces in Ukraine, specifically on the Kursk front. It's a move that's been interpreted as direct military cooperation and active support for Russia’s war efforts.
If that's not enough, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has been making frequent trips to North Korea, emphasizing that their partnership is both practical and strategic. Both nations are planning to supercharge their military cooperation under the umbrella of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
It's not all about the military, though. These two have also been punching up their civilian ties. There's been a surge in university exchanges, cultural performances, and tourist groups visiting North Korea. Over 10 Russian tourist groups rolled into North Korea in 2024, with more expected in the future.
On the economic front, bilateral commissions on trade, economics, and scientific-technical cooperation have been back in business, working on projects in fields like logistics, agriculture, and sports.
All this newfound friendship is causing quite a stir among other major powers, particularly China. The rapid military, economic, and strategic collaboration between Russia and North Korea is causing concerns, with some labeling it potentially destabilizing for the region.
But hey, according to South Korea's government, North Korea isn't only sending troops to Russia for the sweet economic gain. They're also serving broader strategic interests. After all, it's all about giving the Western powers a run for their money, right?
source: https://www.joongang.co.kr/economy/article/20250215-oa37000305.html?utm_source=Naver
[1] "North Korea diversifies military-iference capabilities in partnership with Russia" - 38 North - December 29, 2024 (38north.org/20240513-kim-russia-expanded-military-cooperation/)
[2] "North Korea-Russia Relationship Enters a New Phase" - NK News - January 15, 2025 (https://www.nknews.org/2025/01/north-korea-russia-relationship-enters-a-new-phase/)
[3] "Kim Jong-un, Putin's New Bestie … and a Threat to South Korea" - The Diplomat - February 3, 2025 (https://thediplomat.com/2025/02/kim-jong-uns-new-bestie-putin-and-a-threat-to-south-korea/)
- In the ongoing political landscape, the growing strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia, with its mutual defense clause, raises questions about war-and-conflicts in the region, as North Korea's military cooperation with Russia is diversifying and expanding, according to a report by 38 North.
- In the realm of general news, South Korea's government opines that North Korea's deployment of troops to support Russia's forces in Ukraine is more than just a strategic economic move; it is also serving broader political interests that could potentially pose a threat to South Korea.
- The opinion column published in The Diplomat further suggests that the strengthening bond between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, characterized by increased military cooperation and mutual defense pacts, could significantly impact regional politics and instigate further war-and-conflicts.
