North Korea and Russia strengthen their agreement on Ukraine matters before Trump and Putin's meeting ensues.
North Korea has significantly escalated its military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with over 10,000 troops currently deployed to Ukraine's front lines, and plans to send an additional 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers in the coming months [1][2][3].
This expansion of support comes amid intense Russian offensive operations and marks a deepening strategic alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang [1][3]. North Korean troops have been actively engaged, with about 40% of the original deployment suffering casualties [1].
In a phone call, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed deepening ties and war efforts against Ukraine. Kim told Putin that Pyongyang will fully support "all measures to be taken by the Russian leadership in the future" [4].
Russia is likely compensating North Korea financially and providing it with military technologies it cannot produce independently [1]. This development has raised concerns in the United States, as it could enhance Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs through technology transfers, further destabilizing the region [1].
South Korea views this military support as a dangerous escalation, as North Korea gains combat experience, new weapons, and resources from its involvement in Ukraine, which could increase the threat level on the Korean Peninsula [5].
Diplomatic isolation and expansion of relations with countries confronting Washington have become priorities in Kim Jong Un's foreign policy [6]. The North Korean government has dismissed the stated desires of Washington and Seoul to restart diplomacy aimed at defusing North Korea’s nuclear program [7].
The U.S. is deeply concerned about Russia’s cooperation with North Korea, as it complicates U.S. efforts to manage North Korea’s threats and Russia’s actions in Ukraine simultaneously [1].
Meanwhile, North Korean troops have been reported to have fought with Russian forces to repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk border region [8]. Putin praised the "bravery, heroism and self-sacrificing spirit" of North Korean troops [2][4].
North Korea has agreed to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Russia's Kursk region, with deployment expected to occur soon [3]. The North Korean government has also supplied large quantities of military equipment, including artillery and ballistic missiles, to Russia [9].
Kim and Putin discussed advancing ties in "all fields" under a strategic partnership agreement they signed last year [10]. However, no upcoming meetings with President Donald Trump have been mentioned by either the North Korean or U.S. governments [7][8].
[1] Reuters [2] Associated Press [3] Yonhap News Agency [4] BBC News [5] The Korea Herald [6] The Diplomat [7] NPR [8] Voice of America [9] The Washington Post [10] North Korean state media
Politics and general news are abuzz with the deepening strategic alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, as North Korea boosts its support for Russia's war-and-conflicts in Ukraine. This includes the deployment of over 30,000 North Korean troops and the supply of military equipment, which has raised concerns about the potential impact on the stability of the region and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
