Sergey Shoigu visits Pyongyang to strengthen ties with North Korea
- Sergey Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang is his second this month, emphasizing the strengthening relations between Russia and North Korea.
- The discussions included military cooperation and support for each other amid ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine.
- This deepening partnership raises alarms in the West regarding potential threats from North Korea's enhanced military capabilities.
In a significant display of growing ties between Russia and North Korea, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu visited Pyongyang for the second time in June 2025. His trip was characterized as a 'special' mission sanctioned by President Vladimir Putin, signaling the importance of the meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The meeting reportedly aimed to enhance cooperation amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions resulting from Russia's military actions in Ukraine. During their previous engagement on June 4, 2025, Kim expressed his government's unwavering support for Russia in the war, emphasizing their strategic partnership. This visit aligns with broader military cooperation, as North Korea has started supplying troops and military equipment to assist Russia's efforts in Ukraine. This collaboration has raised concerns in Washington and Seoul about potential technology transfers, which could further bolster North Korea's nuclear capabilities. The backdrop of these interactions is set against the confirmed deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, marking an unprecedented military alliance that has drawn international attention and disapproval. This meeting serves to reinforce commitments made previously regarding the joint defense and military support between the two nations, particularly in light of their shared adversities against Western powers.