North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Sergei Shoigu, the head of Russia's Security Council, in Pyongyang to discuss enhancing strategic cooperation and mutual security interests between the two countries. The talks coincided with the anniversary of Kim's summit with President Vladimir Putin last year, during which they pledged closer ties and signed a mutual defense treaty. Both leaders expressed a commitment to expanding cooperation across various fields, including military support, amid allegations that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting was characterized by a 'wide exchange of views' on regional and international security matters, with both sides reportedly reaching a satisfactory consensus. Shoigu's visit follows increasing military collaboration since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reinforcing historical ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. Analysts suggest that North Korea's support is pivotal for Russia as it continues to face Western sanctions and a depletion of munitions.