Russia sends goats to North Korea

In a notable development reflecting the warming relations between Russia and North Korea, nearly 450 goats have been shipped from Russia to North Korea. This initiative, reported by North Korean state media, aims to bolster the supply of dairy products for children in the Nampo municipality. The shipment includes 432 non-pregnant female goats and 15 male goats, marking the first of several expected deliveries of livestock from Russia to the isolated nation. The partnership between the two countries was solidified during a historic visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang in June, his first since 2000. During this visit, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a strategic partnership treaty that encompasses various sectors, including agriculture, education, and tourism. The agreement highlights a commitment to mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either nation. The goats, exported from Russia’s Leningrad region, are intended to alleviate food shortages in North Korea, which have been exacerbated by government policies and the COVID-19 pandemic. Human Rights Watch reports that approximately 10.7 million North Koreans are malnourished, with 18 percent of children suffering from chronic malnutrition. The North Korean government has indicated that goat farms have been established to ensure a steady supply of dairy products for local children. This shipment comes as both countries seek to strengthen their ties, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which North Korea has openly supported. Despite past denials, there are ongoing concerns regarding North Korea's potential provision of weaponry to Russia, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.