Kim Jong Un and Russia Strengthen Ties

At the G20 summit in Brazil, Chinese and Russian foreign ministers highlighted their 'unprecedented' strategic partnership amid rising global tensions, particularly due to the Ukraine conflict. This follows a series of intensified bilateral negotiations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with both nations positioning themselves as counterweights to U.S. influence. Concurrently, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with Russian Minister of Natural Resources, Alexander Kozlov, in Pyongyang, emphasizing the deepening ties between their countries, particularly in trade, economy, and technology. Kim claimed their relationship has reached a 'new strategic level' following a recent defense agreement, while U.S. and South Korean authorities accused North Korea of sending over 10,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine. Analysts suggest that this evolving alliance may provide North Korea access to vital resources from Russia in exchange for military support. The discussions reflect a significant shift in North Korea's foreign policy as it seeks to cement its role in the regional power dynamics exacerbated by the Ukraine war.