In a recent meeting in Wonsan, North Korea, Kim Jong Un welcomed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who conveyed greetings from President Putin and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to bilateral agreements.
The meeting highlights the growing closeness between Russia and North Korea since the start of the war in Ukraine. Intelligence reports suggest North Korea has supplied Russia with up to 12 million artillery shells, possibly accounting for half of Russia’s shell usage in Ukraine.
Analysts believe the meeting focused on military supplies, particularly ammunition and missiles, which North Korea produces in large quantities. There are also reports of North Korean troops aiding Russia, with estimates of up to 30,000 soldiers potentially being deployed. While North Korea’s regular troops may lack combat readiness, its special forces are considered well-trained.
The alliance is seen as crucial for Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine, with North Korean ballistic missiles and drone support playing a significant role. Despite Western calls to end the war, Russia has vowed to escalate its offensive.
(This video summary was created using AI. A journalist edited it before publication.)