Russian Security Chief Shoigu Meets Kim Jong Un in North Korea

Russia’s Security Council head, Sergei Shoigu, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday, according to a statement from Moscow, just weeks after the Kremlin signed a defense agreement with Pyongyang.

This visit comes at a time when Moscow is seeking ammunition to support its ongoing military campaign in Ukraine, now in its 30th month. Western nations have accused North Korea of supplying arms to Russia, further intensifying the geopolitical tension.

In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to North Korea, where he signed a mutual defense pact with the isolated state.

The Russian Security Council described the meetings in Pyongyang as taking place in a “uniquely trusting and friendly atmosphere,” aligned with the agreements made during Putin’s state visit. It noted that Shoigu’s discussions with Kim are expected to play a key role in advancing the defense cooperation between the two nations.

Shoigu, who served as Russia’s defense minister until May, plays a critical role in these discussions.

The defense pact between Russia and North Korea has faced widespread condemnation from Western countries and South Korea. Ukraine has also reported finding North Korean-made shells on the battlefield, raising concerns over Pyongyang’s involvement in the conflict.

Russia and North Korea, both heavily sanctioned by the international community, have deepened their relationship since the Soviet Union played a key role in the establishment of North Korea. Their ties have further strengthened following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which severed many of its diplomatic connections with Western nations.