Kim Jong Un Visits Russian Embassy to Celebrate Deepening Ties
Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter, visited the Russian embassy in Pyongyang to celebrate Russia’s Victory Day, reinforcing North Korea’s ties with Russia. This relationship is marked by military support, with North Korea sending troops to assist Russia against Ukraine in exchange for technological aid. Both countries are increasingly collaborating as they confront economic and political isolation.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently made an unusual visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang alongside his daughter. This outing took place on Friday, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day, a commemoration of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany during World War II, reported North Korean state media.
During his visit, Kim emphasized the importance of strengthening the longstanding ties between North Korea and Russia. He mentioned a desire to “consolidate and develop the long tradition of the DPRK-Russia relations, the noble ideological foundation, and the invincible alliance,” as conveyed by KCNA.
This relationship has flourished particularly as North Korea has contributed thousands of troops, artillery, and missiles to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, especially in the western Kursk region. Both nations, facing economic and political isolation, are finding solidarity in their current predicament.
South Korean intelligence indicates that approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, from an estimated deployment of 15,000 troops. Such critical military support highlights the growing interplay between the two countries.
In exchange for this military assistance, North Korea reportedly has gained technological support, including advances in satellites, drones, and anti-aircraft missiles, according to South Korean reports. These developments further solidify the bond between Pyongyang and Moscow.
On the same day this visit was made, Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of its World War II victory with a military parade. Chinese President Xi Jinping was in attendance, adding to the significance of the occasion, especially amid concerns about possible Ukrainian disruptions following three years of intense conflict.
“Pyongyang and Moscow will always be together,” declared North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, as reported by KCNA. Notably, both nations have publicly denied engaging in any arms trade, even as they acknowledge the presence of North Korean troops on the front lines in the Kursk area of Russia.
This visit by Kim Jong Un underscores the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, as both countries navigate the complexities of their international standing amidst ongoing conflict and geopolitical challenges.
In conclusion, Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Russian embassy symbolizes the strengthening alliance between North Korea and Russia, highlighted by mutual military support amid their respective international isolations. The partnership, emerging through military collaboration and technical exchanges, reflects a significant shift in regional dynamics as both nations contend with their challenges.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
