North Korea-Russia Alliance Sparks Global Tensions

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui visits Moscow for talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov as concerns rise about North Korea potentially joining the Ukraine war on Russia's side. Russia justifies developing relations with Pyongyang amidst speculations on U.N. sanctions against North Korea.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui has arrived in Moscow for strategic discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, as announced by Russia on Wednesday. The meeting has raised concerns in the West about the possibility of North Korea joining the Ukraine conflict on behalf of Russia.

The visit, her second in recent weeks, comes amid rising tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Reports have emerged that North Korean troops are present in the Russian border region of Kursk, with more soldiers allegedly on their way, according to U.S. Pentagon sources.

While U.S. President Joe Biden warns of escalating dangers, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not denied these allegations, defending Russia's right to cultivate relations with North Korea. Meanwhile, evolving diplomacy and questions about U.N. sanctions cloak the international dialogue.

(With inputs from agencies.)