Putin Meets with North Korean Foreign Minister in Moscow

Tags: Russia-North Korea Relations, Ukraine Conflict, North Korean Troops, International Diplomacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui at the Kremlin, a move drawing global attention as speculation grows around possible North Korean support for Russia’s efforts in Ukraine. Choe, who has been in Russia for a week, expressed North Korea’s unwavering support for Russia’s “victory” in the Ukraine conflict.

North Korea’s Support for Russia

During her meeting with Putin, Choe conveyed well wishes from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to stand by Russia in what she termed a “sacred struggle” in Ukraine. This visit follows a military agreement between Russia and North Korea signed earlier this year, and while Putin has not confirmed or denied reports, it is widely believed that North Korea may deploy thousands of troops to aid Russia.

Allegations of North Korean Troops in Russia

Western sources claim that up to 10,000 North Korean soldiers are already stationed in Russia and may soon join the conflict in Ukraine. The European Union and South Korea have raised concerns, urging Russia to reconsider any plans to involve North Korean troops. Analysts suggest that Russia views North Korean soldiers as a temporary measure to bolster its forces in Ukraine.

International Reactions

The meeting between Putin and Choe coincided with a visit to Kyiv by Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the West’s relatively restrained response to the reported North Korean troop presence in Russia, calling for more assertive international condemnation of foreign military support for Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.