**Russia’s Sergei Shoigu Visits North Korea on “Special Assignment” from Putin**
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, on June 17. According to Russia’s state-controlled news agency TASS, Shoigu was on a special assignment from President Vladimir Putin. The purpose of the visit has not been officially disclosed, but it comes amid intensified military cooperation between the two nations.
**Growing Military Ties Between Russia and North Korea**
North Korea has emerged as one of Russia’s closest military partners during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since late 2023, Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with millions of artillery shells, at least 100 ballistic missiles, and reportedly deployed more than 11,000 troops to assist Russian operations in Ukraine’s border regions. In return, Russia has provided advanced military technology to North Korea.
**Heavy Losses for North Korean Troops**
According to a report from the United Kingdom’s defense intelligence, over 6,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded during operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This accounts for more than half of the North Korean contingent deployed to the region in fall 2024. British officials attributed the high casualties to highly attritional ground assaults.
**North Korea Replenishes Losses**
Earlier this year, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea sent an additional 3,000 soldiers to Russia in January and February to replenish losses. This has allowed Pyongyang to maintain its military presence in Ukraine despite heavy losses.
**Mutual Defense Pact Between Russia and North Korea**
In June 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defense pact obligating both countries to provide military assistance in the event of an external attack. The pact was widely seen as a move to solidify their growing military ties.
**UN Report Slams “Unlawful Military Cooperation” Between Russia and North Korea**
The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), a United Nations-affiliated watchdog, reported in May that Russia and North Korea had engaged in “unlawful military cooperation” in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. This included arms transfers, deployment of combat troops, petroleum exports to North Korea exceeding UN caps, and mutual military training.
**Russia Provides Advanced Military Technology to North Korea**
According to MSMT findings, Russia has provided advanced military technology to North Korea, including ballistic missile guidance systems, electronic warfare platforms, and short-range air defense systems. One MSMT participating state confirmed the transfer of at least one Pantsir-class vehicle to Pyongyang.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
