In a significant display of solidarity, Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the "friendship" between Russia and North Korea during his recent discussions with Kim Jong Un. This reconnection comes just before Putin's anticipated meetings with US President Donald Trump, set for Friday. The backdrop to these reaffirmed ties includes alarming reports regarding the treatment of North Korean workers in Russia, where many have been described as facing "slave-like" conditions on construction projects.
Putin's dialogue with Kim earlier this week highlighted North Korea's military backing of Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As Russian forces have made recent strides in the eastern regions of Ukraine, moving up to ten kilometers in various offensives, support from Pyongyang has become increasingly pivotal. The Kremlin's official statement noted that both leaders committed to nurturing their bilateral relations, emphasizing cooperation and neighborly ties.
As part of their discussions, Putin informed Kim about the preparations for the upcoming summit in Alaska with Trump, although North Korea did not publicly acknowledge this aspect of their talks. Putin reiterated gratitude for North Korea's assistance during military operations, particularly referencing previous actions related to the defense of the Kursk region against Ukrainian forces.
The situation continues to evolve with reports indicating that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russian troops, reflecting an unprecedented level of collaboration between the two nations amid Russia's isolation from the West due to its invasion of Ukraine. South Korean intelligence emphasizes that the conflict has driven Moscow to increasingly rely on North Korean labor, further deepening their alliance.
Putin's dialogue with Kim earlier this week highlighted North Korea's military backing of Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As Russian forces have made recent strides in the eastern regions of Ukraine, moving up to ten kilometers in various offensives, support from Pyongyang has become increasingly pivotal. The Kremlin's official statement noted that both leaders committed to nurturing their bilateral relations, emphasizing cooperation and neighborly ties.
As part of their discussions, Putin informed Kim about the preparations for the upcoming summit in Alaska with Trump, although North Korea did not publicly acknowledge this aspect of their talks. Putin reiterated gratitude for North Korea's assistance during military operations, particularly referencing previous actions related to the defense of the Kursk region against Ukrainian forces.
The situation continues to evolve with reports indicating that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russian troops, reflecting an unprecedented level of collaboration between the two nations amid Russia's isolation from the West due to its invasion of Ukraine. South Korean intelligence emphasizes that the conflict has driven Moscow to increasingly rely on North Korean labor, further deepening their alliance.
