Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov visited North Korea on an unannounced trip, declaring an expansion of partnership between the two nations, including military cooperation, as reported by DW.
According to Belousov, relations between Russia and North Korea are actively developing, with discussions in Pyongyang aimed at further strengthening strategic defense partnerships.
Belousov emphasized that cooperation with Pyongyang is focused on reducing the risk of military conflicts in Northeast Asia. North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol responded by stating that the North Korean army intends to deepen collaboration with the Russian Armed Forces.
Earlier, CNN reported that North Korean military personnel have already arrived in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, including Mariupol and parts of Kharkiv region. Ukrainian sources claim that the North Korean soldiers are stationed separately from Russian units but are wearing Russian military uniforms.
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, the presence of North Koreans was detected through intercepted communications. Ukrainian Armed Forces commander Nazar Kishak noted that these forces are reinforcing Russia's combat units and preparing for offensive operations as weather conditions deteriorate.
