High-Stake Diplomacy: Russian Security Official Meets North Korean Leader

Russian security official Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, with discussions focusing on military ties and the Ukraine war. The U.S. accuses North Korea of supplying arms to Russia. Both nations deny these claims but commit to strengthening their military partnership.

Top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to Pyongyang on Friday, as reported by Russian news agencies.

The visit comes at a critical juncture in the Ukraine war, amid U.S. allegations that North Korea has been supplying ammunition and ballistic missiles to Russia. The U.S. and its allies are considering whether to permit Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike deep within Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that such a move would mean the West directly confronting Russia.

Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any arms transfers but have pledged to enhance military ties. Russia has strengthened its relations with North Korea since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, with Kim Jong Un hosting Putin during a state visit in June. Shoigu, formerly Russia’s defense minister, now serves as the secretary of the Security Council, which includes Putin, military and intelligence chiefs, and other senior officials.

The Security Council, as quoted by state news agency RIA, stated, 'As part of the ongoing strategic dialogue between our countries, a substantive exchange of views took place with Korean colleagues on a wide range of issues on the bilateral and international agenda.' It emphasized that the meetings occurred in an 'exceptionally trusting, friendly atmosphere' and would significantly contribute to implementing the agreements reached between Putin and Kim at their summit three months ago.

(With inputs from agencies.)