North Korea's Foreign Minister is scheduled to engage in discussions in Moscow on Wednesday, amidst reports indicating that Pyongyang has dispatched thousands of troops to Russia to support its activities in Ukraine.
The Pentagon recently disclosed that North Korea has deployed approximately 10,000 troops to Russia, with intentions to participate in the conflict in Ukraine in the coming weeks. A Pentagon spokesperson mentioned that a limited number of North Korean troops are currently stationed in the Kursk region, where Russia is facing challenges in repelling a Ukrainian incursion.
Western leaders have expressed concerns over the significant escalation represented by the North Korean troop deployment, highlighting potential implications for relations in the Indo-Pacific region.
While the specific agenda for the talks between North Korea's top diplomat and Russian officials remains undisclosed, reports suggest that discussions may involve considerations regarding additional troop deployments to Russia and potential concessions from North Korea.
There are apprehensions among South Korean and Western authorities that Russia could provide technological advancements to North Korea, potentially enhancing the threat posed by the latter's nuclear weapons and missile program.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have refrained from confirming the presence of North Korean forces in Russia, emphasizing that their military collaboration adheres to international regulations.
Furthermore, accusations have been made by the U.S. and its allies, alleging that North Korea supplied artillery shells and equipment to Russia in support of its military operations in Ukraine.
Russia, alongside China, has obstructed efforts led by the U.S. at the Security Council to impose stricter sanctions on North Korea due to its recent missile tests, which intensified following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
South Korea's President expressed concerns during a conversation with the Ukrainian President, highlighting the potential security risks posed by deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
South Korea has been contemplating providing weapons to Ukraine and is devising response strategies based on the evolving military collaboration between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Despite being a burgeoning arms exporter, South Korea has refrained from directly supplying weapons to Ukraine, aligning with its policy of not arming nations engaged in active conflicts.
