North Korea to Send Military Builders, Deminers to Aid Russia’s Kursk Region
North Korea plans to send military builders and deminers to Russia’s Kursk region to assist in reconstruction efforts following Ukraine’s incursions, as indicated by Russian news. Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu met with Kim Jong Un to solidify this cooperation. North Korea’s role as a key ally for Russia in their ongoing conflict with Ukraine is becoming increasingly evident.
MOSCOW — Reports from Russian news agencies indicate that North Korea is set to send military builders and deminers to aid in the recovery efforts in Russia’s western Kursk region. This announcement comes following a visit by Russia’s Security Council chief, Sergei Shoigu, who met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. The talks marked Shoigu’s second visit to North Korea in just a fortnight.
During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, North Korea has emerged as a significant ally for Russia, providing both political support and military assistance. In fact, they have already dispatched thousands of troops to support Russian operations aimed at reclaiming territory in Kursk. Now, additional specialized forces are on the way to bolster reconstruction efforts in the region.
Shoigu disclosed that North Korea’s contribution includes not only a division of builders but also two military brigades, totaling around 5,000 personnel. Along with these troops, 1,000 deminers are part of the dispatch to assist in clearing potentially hazardous lands. He emphasized this support as a gesture of fraternal assistance from both the North Korean people and leader Kim Jong Un.
Following the meeting, North Korean state media characterized the atmosphere as warm, fostering friendship and cooperation. They reported that Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing collaboration without detailing specific plans. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the discussions included topics on immediate cooperation as well as long-term strategic initiatives agreed upon by the two nations over recent weeks.
Last year, Russia and North Korea formalized a broad military agreement that encompasses a mutual defense clause during a rare visit by President Putin to North Korea. This partnership has allowed North Korea to provide military supplies to support Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Earlier this month, Shoigu had expressed a mutual desire to enhance ties further, with both nations aiming to develop their relationship into a robust strategic partnership, as noted by KCNA.
In summary, North Korea is set to aid Russia in the Kursk region by sending military builders and deminers, reinforcing their alliance amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The agreement emphasizes mutual support and cooperation between the nations, which have recently deepened their military ties through formal agreements. With both sides looking to strengthen their strategic partnership, this alliance appears poised to have significant geopolitical implications amidst the backdrop of international tensions.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
