On Monday, October 28, North Korean Foreign Minister Cui Shanji embarked on a visit to Russia, attracting high international attention. On the same day, NATO Secretary-General Lu confirmed for the first time publicly that North Korean troops were deployed in the Kursk region of Russia, raising the possibility of further escalation of war. Faced with accusations of sending troops from the United States, NATO, and Ukraine, both Russia and North Korea have not denied their involvement.
According to a statement from the Russian Embassy in North Korea, Putin and Kim Jong-un reached an agreement on the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty” during their meeting in June this year, agreeing to restart bilateral strategic dialogue. Therefore, Cui Shanji’s visit to Russia is within the framework of “strategic dialogue.” It is expected that both sides will engage in in-depth discussions and cooperation in important areas such as diplomacy and security.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that Cui Shanji’s visit to Russia involves not only high-level diplomatic talks but also dialogues at various levels with deputy foreign ministers and heads of subordinate units to deepen cooperation and exchange views on the international situation.
This is Cui Shanji’s second visit to Russia in six weeks. She only traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, on September 16 to attend an international event.
North Korea has not yet disclosed the specific topics of discussion during Cui Shanji’s visit to Russia. However, as this is an official visit, the South Korean news agency Yonhap speculates that the two sides may discuss Kim Jong-un’s potential visit to Russia and formulate response policies in the context of the possible re-election of former U.S. President Trump.
In addition, regarding the training of North Korean troops in Russia, the two sides may also discuss how to respond to international attention and pressure.
On the same day, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol condemned the “illegal” military cooperation between Russia and North Korea as a serious threat to the Korean Peninsula in a cabinet meeting. Yoon Suk-Yeol stated during the meeting, “I hope everyone remains vigilant against potential risks.”
NATO Secretary-General Lu pointed out on Monday that NATO has once again confirmed that North Korea has provided Russia with millions of artillery shells and ballistic missiles, while Putin has provided military technology and other support to North Korea. Lu stated that currently more than 600,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured in the war, and without foreign support, Putin may struggle to sustain the attack on Ukraine.
U.S. President Biden called the situation “very dangerous.”
The Pentagon stated on Monday that if North Korea participates in the Russia-Ukraine war, Washington will not impose new restrictions on the use of U.S. weapons in Kyiv. The Pentagon also mentioned that North Korea has dispatched 10,000 soldiers to Russia for training, higher than the estimate of 3,000 soldiers from last Wednesday.
White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby said, “We will continue to closely monitor the situation. But let’s be clear: if North Korean troops do get involved, it would signal Russia’s increasing desperation in its war with Ukraine.”