Putin Welcomes North Korean Officers Following WWII Victory Day Parade

Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted North Korean officers after a military parade commemorating the Soviet victory in WWII. His remarks included thanks to Kim Jong Un for supporting Russian troops, illustrating the growing military ties between the nations. Notably, Kim was absent from the event, while North Korean media declared an enduring alliance between the two countries. The Moscow Times addressed its struggles as an independent news source under increasing government pressure.

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed a delegation of North Korean military officers following a grand military parade in Moscow that celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. This year’s Victory Day event comes a week after Putin acknowledged North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for dispatching troops to aid Russian forces in the Kursk region, marking the first official acknowledgment of their presence in the conflict.

During the parade celebrations held at Red Square, Putin was overheard expressing gratitude to the North Korean delegation, saying, “Thank you very much to all your fighters, your heroes. Best wishes.” His warm gestures included embracing a North Korean general, who proudly displayed medals from past conflicts.

Notably, while servicemen from 13 countries participated in the parade alongside Russian troops, North Korean soldiers were not part of the contingent. Furthermore, Kim Jong Un was absent, along with over two dozen foreign leaders in attendance at the event. In response, North Korean media reported Kim’s visit to the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang where he emphasized a strengthening of ties, declaring an “invincible alliance” between the two nations.

Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, relations between Russia and North Korea appear to have deepened significantly, encompassing military, political, and cultural dimensions. In January, reports emerged in Japanese media suggesting that North Korean troops would eventually participate in Russia’s World War II commemorations.

This invitation was reportedly extended by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov during his visit to Pyongyang last November, indicating a warming military collaboration that may have implications for regional security and international relations.

In a separate note, The Moscow Times expressed concerns over its designation as an “undesirable” organization by Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, a development that has serious implications for independent journalism in the country. The Times decried this move as an attempt to stifle honest reporting and appealed for public support to continue its work, reinforcing the need for free and independent media in Russia, especially in these tumultuous times.

In conclusion, the exchange between Putin and North Korean military officers signifies a warming of diplomatic and military ties between Russia and North Korea amidst a changing geopolitical landscape. With North Korean troops aiding Russian efforts, the partnership could expand further in future military commemorations. Moreover, amid challenges faced by independent media in Russia, The Moscow Times highlights the crucial role of journalism in maintaining transparency and accountability during such periods of instability.

Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com