Pyongyang: North Korea's military delegation has departed for Russia to participate in an international event, state media reported on Tuesday. This follows Pyongyang's recent confirmation of troop deployment to Russia to engage in the conflict in Kursk, Ukraine.
According to Yonhap News Agency, leading the delegation is Pak Young-il, deputy director of the General Political Bureau of North Korea's Korean People's Army. The delegation left Pyongyang to attend an international anti-fascism event in Russia. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not provide further details about the event, but the visit coincides with Russia's upcoming 80th Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
There is growing speculation about whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un might visit Russia for the celebrations. This follows an invitation extended by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Pyongyang in June of the previous year.
On Monday, North Korea confirmed its troop deployment to support Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. President Putin expressed gratitude to Kim Jong-un for this support. Additionally, Putin announced a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine in observance of Victory Day.