Moscow: North Korea will dispatch 5,000 military construction workers and 1,000 sappers to the Kursk region in Russia, as reported by Russian media. This development signifies a potential strengthening of military ties between the two nations, coinciding with the visit of Moscow's security chief to Pyongyang for discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the announcement aligns with Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu's visit to North Korea on a mission from Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he engaged in talks with Kim earlier in the day. This engagement comes as both nations prepare to commemorate the first anniversary of their mutual defense treaty.
Tass reported that Kim Jong-un decided to send the military personnel to Russia for mine-clearing and infrastructure restoration tasks. Shoigu's visit marks his second to North Korea this month, following discussions in early June concerning security issues on the Korean Peninsula.
The Russian Security Council noted that Shoigu's meeting with Kim is part of follow-up actions on agreements from his previous visit on June 4. These actions are tied to the mutual defense agreement signed last year between North Korea and Russia.
Shoigu's consecutive visits occur as Pyongyang and Moscow celebrate the first anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty, signed by Kim and Putin in June last year. This treaty has led to North Korean troop deployments in support of Russia's efforts in the Ukraine conflict.
South Korea's military estimates that North Korea has sent an additional 3,000 soldiers to the Kursk region this year, following a deployment of approximately 11,000 troops last year. There are speculations about North Korea receiving arms and military technology in return for these deployments.
A recent assessment by Britain's defense ministry indicated that more than half of the initially deployed troops have suffered casualties. The Russian security official mentioned plans to build memorials for the fallen North Korean soldiers and discussed the potential resumption of direct flights between the two countries.
Shoigu expressed hopes for the resumption of flights that have been grounded for over 30 years and mentioned efforts to restart railway services between Pyongyang and Moscow, which had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Russia's postal service announced plans to resume parcel delivery services to North Korea, which had been suspended since the pandemic began.
As the June 19 anniversary approaches, there is speculation that Kim Jong-un may visit Russia for a summit with Putin. However, no immediate plans for his trip have been confirmed.
Russia's Eastern Economic Forum, scheduled for September in Vladivostok, near the North Korean border, is speculated to be a potential venue for a meeting between Kim and Putin.