North Korea Security Minister Departs Pyongyang for Russia Meeting

North Korea's Minister of State Security, Ri Chang Dae, has departed Pyongyang to attend the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in Russia. The high-level meeting is expected to include Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and senior security officials from countries such as Iran and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on international security dialogues. Discussions may involve North Korean troops deployed in Russia, future military activities, repatriation of fallen soldiers, and prisoners of war. This diplomatic exchange coincides with the first anniversary of the strategic partnership treaty between North Korea and Russia. Concurrently, a Russian delegation led by Deputy Interior Minister Vitaly Shulika arrived in Pyongyang, highlighting ongoing reciprocal engagements between the two countries. The meeting takes place amid stalled U.S.-led peace talks and intensified conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with analysts suggesting potential North Korean involvement in the war.