Description: The Russian President of the Security Council, Sergei Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang as part of an official state visit. He met North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un as they jointly announced further strengthening of bilateral ties especially regarding Russia’s warfare efforts in Ukraine. North Korea reportedly vowed to send military reconstruction officers in the Kursk region where North Korean troops were integral in repelling offenses from the Ukrainian military. South Korean and Ukrainian secret services uncovered North Korea’s involvement in the war while special investigations conducted by media agencies disclosed evidence of large weapons shipments from North Korea to Russia in the past 5 months.
Impact: Shoigu’s visit to North Korea arrives after an extensive period of military exercises conducted by South Korea, Japan, the US and the Philippines in the region. North Korea has been the largest supporter of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the evident strengthening of ties pose a crucial strategic advantage for Putin as the war in Ukraine further prolongs. South Korea, the US and the other regional allies are raising concerns regarding the close Russia – North Korea bilateral relationship as Russia in return for North Korea’s assistance in the war could supply them with much needed sophisticated technological components which would eventually propel their nuclear and ballistic missile program. Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang coupled with the recent military buildup across the Ukrainian border might serve as a prelude towards the projected Russian summer offensive.