North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had a meeting with Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, during his visit to North Korea on the 21st. According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 22nd, they met in a cordial and trustworthy atmosphere and exchanged conversations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a “significant personal letter” to Kim Jong-un through Shoigu, reaffirming that transactions between North Korea and Russia will continue even amid negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Analysts suggest that through potential third deployments of North Korean troops, Putin seeks to secure an advantageous position in future negotiations, while Kim Jong-un aims to maximize security and economic benefits.
Kim expressed “deep appreciation” and “combat greetings” to Putin in response. Furthermore, the two leaders discussed mutual support for Russia’s efforts to protect national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests. The meeting confirmed the complete alignment of the two countries’ leadership on issues of mutual security interest and discussed ways to further expand and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including security.
Experts believe the discussions on “exchange expansion in the field of security” may indicate another deployment of North Korean troops. Shoigu, seen as a close confidant of Putin, made his first trip to North Korea since September of last year, receiving a warm welcome from Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang.
Putin might prefer deploying North Korean troops to the western front line in the Kursk region rather than spending Russian troops during the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. After North Korean artillery support last year, Russia reclaimed its control over this area. North Korea hopes for advanced military technology transfer in the long run.
In December last year, North Korea deployed over 11,000 troops, adding up to 3,000 more this year. Discussions during this visit may have addressed specific details regarding the scale and units for a third deployment.
Yang Wook, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, commented that North Korea, not being an official participant in the conflict, continues to serve as a military leverage for Russia, even as ceasefire talks progress.
Additionally, Kim Jong-un and Shoigu reaffirmed their commitment to the “unconditional implementation” of clauses in a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. Shoigu previously emphasized the importance of fulfilling agreements with North Korea. This visit is also seen as an effort to alleviate Kim Jong-un’s concerns over potential mass casualties among North Korean troops. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry’s Intelligence Directorate (HUR) estimated last month that up to 4,000 North Korean troops suffered casualties on the Kursk front.
The mention of “cooperation in various fields” may refer to North Korea’s tourism sector. Kim Jong-un is focusing on revitalizing foreign tourism, with projects like the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourism zone slated for opening in June. This move aims to resume the flow of foreign currency that was restricted due to international sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In other news, on the 23rd, it was reported that Lee Hak-mu presented his credentials as the new North Korean Ambassador to Bulgaria. The previous ambassador, Cha Gun-il, left the position about a year ago. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has been reopening its embassies in countries it sees as friendly, including Bulgaria.