Russia Strengthens Alliance with North Korea as Shoigu Meets Kim Jong Un

Sergei Shoigu thanked Kim Jong Un for North Korea's support in Ukraine and discussed deepening military and strategic ties during his visit to Pyongyang.

Sergei Shoigu, Russia's Security Council secretary, met with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang to express gratitude for North Korea's military and logistical support in the Ukraine war.
North Korea has reportedly sent up to 12,000 troops and significant quantities of weapons, including artillery and ballistic missiles, to aid Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
The June 2024 mutual defense treaty between Russia and North Korea underpins their cooperation, obligating mutual assistance in case of attack.
Shoigu's visit coincided with North Korea's missile tests, conducted as a response to US-South Korea joint military drills, which Pyongyang views as provocative.
The meeting follows a tentative ceasefire agreement in the Ukraine conflict mediated by US President Donald Trump, though its implementation remains uncertain.