**Kim Jong-un Expresses Support for Russia’s Territorial Policies**
– Russia Invites North Korean Military to Next Year’s Victory Day
– Possibility of Reviving Joint Military Drills Between the Two Nations
Kim Jong-un, Chairman of North Korea’s State Affairs Commission, applauded alongside Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov during a cultural performance held in Pyongyang on the 29th of last month to welcome the minister’s visit. There are speculations that Kim discussed the issue of additional North Korean troop deployments to Russia and the potential economic support as compensation.
According to North Korean state media such as the Korean Central News Agency on the 1st, Minister Belousov concluded his two-day visit to North Korea from November 29th to 30th. While the specifics of his talks with Kim on the 29th were not disclosed, Kim’s statement of unwavering support for Russia’s territorial integrity policies suggests that discussions on additional troop deployments and corresponding benefits for North Korea may have occurred.
Amidst President-elect Donald Trump’s declaration of an “early end” to conflicts, there is speculation that Russia may have determined that it needs more North Korean troops to support its strategic interests. Discussions concerning economic support are believed to have also taken place. Belousov, who was appointed in May and has a background in economics rather than the military, previously held positions as Deputy Minister and Minister of Economic Development and served as an economic advisor to President Vladimir Putin.
Kim Jong-un emphasized “multifaceted cooperation” during a meeting last month with Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources. Analysts suggest these interactions point to North Korea aiming to secure economic assistance from Russia, which is already presumed to be providing military technology, food, and oil to North Korea.
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that discussions might have included military cooperation and additional troop deployments to support Russia’s strategy in Ukraine before Trump takes office. Belousov, known as an economic expert in Russia, likely engaged in talks about the economic exchanges North Korea could receive.
The possibility of North Korea and Russia conducting joint military exercises is also being considered. The Korean Central News Agency reported that Minister Belousov and North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol discussed strengthening combat unity and strategic coordination between their militaries. Last month, President Putin mentioned the possibility of joint military drills with North Korea. Historically, North Korea and the Soviet Union conducted annual joint exercises until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989. Yang Moo-jin, President of the University of North Korean Studies, stated that the troop deployments might aim to strengthen the North Korea-Russia military alliance and initiate joint exercises.
Additionally, Belousov invited the North Korean military to participate in next year’s Victory Day celebrations in May, raising the possibility of Kim Jong-un visiting Russia with North Korean troops.