Shoigu's return to Pyongyang signals solidified North Korea-Russia military cooperation

Korea JoongAng Daily ^ | 6/17/2025 | CHUNG YEONG-GYO

[marcusmaximus]

Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, traveled to Pyongyang on Tuesday under the direct orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a deepening of strategic military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

The visit, Shoigu's second in less than two weeks and third meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in just three months, comes as Moscow seeks to draw Pyongyang closer in its protracted war effort in Ukraine.

Observers say the visit suggests a bid by Russia to leverage shifting global attention — particularly the West’s growing preoccupation with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran — to secure fuller military backing from North Korea. Experts warn that Pyongyang may now be solidifying its position as Russia’s unofficial “military subcontractor.”

The meetings are believed to focus on implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty recently signed by the two countries, with discussions likely covering military cooperation, the security situation on the Korean Peninsula following the launch of the Lee Jae Myung administration, and a potential return visit by Kim to Moscow.

Experts suggest Russia may be seeking expanded support from Pyongyang, including additional troops or weapons, to bolster its offensive in Ukraine.

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[Who is John Galt?]

[lonestar67]

You post the best content on FR.

[Gay State Conservative]

Not good. It’s bad enough that Kim is pals with The Butchers of Beijing. Adding Vlad to his BFF list makes things worse.

[marcusmaximus]

It’s obvious that Russia can’t count on Iran as a weapons supplier anymore. So they have to double down on North Korea as their primary weapons supplier.

[wetgundog]

Russia needs more N.Korean cannon fodder.

[rrrod]

Putin is about to lose another comrade... Iran.