CThis is a support that does not go unnoticed. More than two years after the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine, North Korea assured this Friday that it will strengthen its support for the Kremlin. During a trip to Russia, North Korean Foreign Minister Chloe Son-hui spoke with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and indicated that her country would support the Russian military until “victory” in Ukraine. “There is no doubt that under the wise leadership of the illustrious Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian army and people will achieve a great victory,” the minister of the dictatorial regime said.
A mutual defense agreement was signed between the two countries
While the Ukrainian army managed to take control of several areas of Russian territory in the Kursk region after the surprise offensive in August, North Korea and Russia concluded a treaty providing for “immediate military aid” in the event of aggression armed by third countries. Therefore, the very close contacts established between the security services and the military of the two regimes would make it possible to “resolve important issues for the security of our and your citizens”, welcomed Sergei Lavrov.
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On the international scene, despite no North Korean military troops being seen on the front, the rapprochement between Moscow and Pyongyang raises some doubts. “We have not yet seen these troops deploy in combat against Ukrainian forces, but we expect that to happen in the coming days,” US diplomatic chief Antony Blinken said.
According to Washington, nearly 10,000 North Korean soldiers have entered Russia and about 8,000 of them “have been deployed to the Kursk region,” Antony Blinken said. Information which for the moment remains at the status of rumor and which has never been confirmed or denied by Vladimir Putin. At the end of the Brics summit on 24 October, the Russian head of state, questioned about the images of North Korean soldiers on his territory, however made a simple comment, as a warning: “Images are serious things. If they exist it is because they reflect an already existing reality. »
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Analyst Dr. Elena Kim
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kim. The recent visit of North Korean Foreign Minister Chloe Son-hui to Russia has stirred considerable discussion. Can you provide some context about the motivations behind North Korea’s renewed military support for Russia?
Dr. Elena Kim: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. North Korea’s support for Russia is multi-faceted. In recent years, both nations have found themselves increasingly isolated on the global stage, facing sanctions and diplomatic restrictions. By strengthening ties, North Korea seeks to bolster its own security and gain leverage against its adversaries, particularly the United States and its allies. The statement made by Minister Chloe Son-hui, reflecting confidence in President Putin and the Russian military, signals a deepening alliance based on mutual interests.
Time.news Editor: It certainly seems like a strategic alignment. They signed a mutual defense agreement that promises immediate military aid in case of aggression from third countries. How significant is this agreement in the context of the current military situation in Ukraine?
Dr. Elena Kim: The agreement is quite significant. It not only solidifies a formal military alliance between North Korea and Russia but also sends a strong message to adversaries about their willingness to support each other militarily. This agreement also may embolden both regimes, encouraging North Korea to adopt a more aggressive stance in the region while providing the Kremlin with additional resources and possibly personnel they may need to bolster their efforts in Ukraine.
Time.news Editor: With the strategic partnership in place, what can we anticipate in terms of military assistance from North Korea? Is there a risk that this could escalate tensions further?
Dr. Elena Kim: North Korea could provide a variety of military assistance, including ammunition, artillery, and expertise in asymmetric warfare tactics. Given the current state of the conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has been facing challenges, this aid could potentially alter the battlefield dynamics. However, such an escalation can certainly provoke a stronger response from the West, leading to heightened tensions not only in Europe but also in Asia, as nations in that region will be observing how these developments unfold.
Time.news Editor: Additionally, with Ukraine successfully reclaiming territory in places like the Kursk region, how do you perceive the implications of a closer North Korea-Russia partnership on Ukraine’s military strategies?
Dr. Elena Kim: The North Korea-Russia partnership could complicate Ukraine’s military strategies considerably. As Russia potentially gains access to North Korean resources or experiences in hybrid warfare, Ukraine might have to adapt its strategies to address new threats. Furthermore, this partnership could also motivate Ukraine to seek deeper military and economic ties with its Western allies, striving for more advanced weaponry and strategic support to counterbalance this new alliance.
Time.news Editor: This relationship certainly raises numerous questions about global stability. What should the international community be particularly wary of moving forward?
Dr. Elena Kim: The international community should watch for increased military cooperation that could lead to more aggressive posturing from both Russia and North Korea. The potential for the proliferation of military technology and tactics can also pose significant risks. Moreover, watching how this alliance influences geopolitical dynamics is crucial, as it may embolden other rogue states to seek similar partnerships, destabilizing regions further. Strong multilateral responses will be essential to counter these developments.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your insights. It’s clear this evolving relationship could have profound implications not only for Ukraine but globally. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Elena Kim: Thank you for having me; it’s always a pleasure to discuss these critical issues.