In a significant diplomatic move, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Chon Son Hui met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Monday, marking another step in the deepening alliance between the two nations. This high-level engagement followed a September meeting between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing, where both leaders attended a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. During the Kremlin talks, Putin expressed his warm regards to Kim, recalling their cordial discussions in China. Earlier in the day, Chon held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who praised North Korean troops for their collaboration with Russian forces in the Kursk region following a Ukrainian incursion. Lavrov emphasized that such joint efforts would fortify the historical and strategic bonds between the two countries. Chon highlighted the “considerable progress” in bilateral relations and reaffirmed Pyongyang’s steadfast support for Russia’s policies aimed at safeguarding state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international justice. According to South Korean intelligence, North Korea has dispatched approximately 15,000 troops and significant military supplies, including artillery and ballistic missiles, to support Russia’s operations in Ukraine. Additionally, Kim has committed to sending thousands of military construction workers and deminers to the Kursk region, further solidifying the military and economic cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.