Russia, North Korea strengthen ties with deals

Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov led a delegation to Pyongyang this week, resulting in new agreements to expand economic cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The high-level talks, which included meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Premier Kim Tok Hun, concluded with signed agreements covering multiple sectors.

The visit featured discussions on bilateral cooperation in power, agriculture, science, technology, education, public health, and tourism. Russian state media reported plans to increase charter flights between the countries, while Russia also gifted over 70 animals to Pyongyang's Central Zoo as a gesture of strengthening ties.

This diplomatic exchange occurs amid growing concerns about military cooperation between the two nations. South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers were recently deployed to Russia's Kursk region, with some already engaged in frontline combat. Analysts estimate North Korea could receive between $320 million to $1.3 billion annually for providing troops to Russia.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, speaking at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, called for an end to what he termed illegal military cooperation between the two nations. Experts suggest North Korea's primary motivation may be accessing Russian technology for its nuclear weapons program rather than financial gain.

The strengthening Russia-North Korea alliance comes as Kim Jong Un increasingly positions his country against Washington, while simultaneously escalating tensions with South Korea through nuclear threats and aggressive rhetoric. This alignment has allowed North Korea to break from international isolation while supporting Russia's operations in Ukraine.