Russian President Vladimir Putin received North Korea’s top diplomat in the Kremlin as Russian troops continued their offensive in eastern Ukraine.
North Korean media reported that Foreign Minister Choi Son Hui discussed “many future projects to continuously strengthen and develop” bilateral relations, and conveyed Putin’s “brotherly respect” for leader Kim Jong Un. No other details were provided.
North Korea has been a key backer of Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine, sending artillery, missiles and troops to its larger neighbour. Pyongyang has received Russian military technology and economic aid in return.
Choi’s visit comes as Russia struggles to maintain troop recruitment levels amid rising casualties and declining financial incentives. Last week, Russia said it would seek to use reservists to protect civilian infrastructure after a rise in Ukrainian long-range drone attacks.
Such a move would potentially allow Moscow to free up more troops to fight on the frontline, where it has suffered significant losses as it seeks to seize well-defended Ukrainian territory. Russia is also reportedly looking to recruit more foreign fighters to fill the gap.
North Korea is by far the largest supplier of foreign troops to Russia, having reportedly sent 11,000 troops last year to help Moscow push Ukrainian forces out of Russia’s Kursk region. North Korean media did not say whether Choi had discussed sending more troops to Russia.