Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in the Kremlin on Monday, November 5. The meeting underscored the growing ties between Moscow and Pyongyang at a time when Western leaders are sounding alarms over reports that North Korea may be sending thousands of troops to bolster Russia’s efforts in Ukraine.
Choe’s visit follows a week-long diplomatic tour across Russia, during which she has repeatedly expressed North Korea’s unyielding support for Moscow. Her statements highlighted North Korea’s commitment to standing by Russia in what she called a “sacred struggle” in Ukraine, fueling speculation that the nation’s support may extend beyond political solidarity to include military assistance.
According to Western intelligence reports, approximately 10,000 North Korean troops may be stationed in Russia, ready to be deployed in Ukraine. These allegations have yet to be confirmed by either Moscow or Pyongyang, but the reports have been met with widespread concern in Western capitals.
President Putin has thus far neither confirmed nor denied these allegations. When questioned on the matter last month, he avoided a direct answer, adding to speculation that North Korea’s military support may be imminent. The lack of an outright denial has led analysts to believe that Russia may indeed be planning to leverage North Korean forces as it faces continued setbacks and heavy casualties on the Ukrainian front.
“President Putin received the foreign minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Choe Son Hui,” the Kremlin announced in a statement accompanying a video of the two leaders shaking hands in one of the Kremlin’s opulent halls. According to the Russian translation, Choe extended well wishes from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, further underscoring the close diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Choe’s rhetoric during her visit has been particularly striking, marking an intensification of North Korea’s supportive stance toward Russia. Following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week, Choe reaffirmed that North Korea stood by Russia in what she called a “sacred struggle” against the West.
Choe’s repeated emphasis on North Korea’s commitment to Russia’s “victory” in Ukraine hints at a possible new phase in the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang. Analysts note that North Korea’s support could be more tangible than symbolic, considering the scale of reported troop deployments.
“This meeting is not just a diplomatic exchange,” said Anna Suvorova, a Moscow-based foreign affairs analyst. “It signals that both Russia and North Korea are willing to move beyond verbal support to a more direct form of assistance, which could include military cooperation on the ground.”
The Russia-North Korea relationship has strengthened noticeably in recent years, especially as both countries face economic sanctions and increasing isolation from Western powers. This year, Russia and North Korea finalized a military agreement that, according to analysts, allows Pyongyang to send military support to Russia in times of conflict. This pact has further intensified Western scrutiny, with officials in Washington, London, and Brussels closely monitoring the situation for any signs of North Korean involvement in Ukraine.
For Moscow, cooperation with North Korea offers more than military assistance; it also represents a potential economic alliance. North Korea, which suffers from chronic food shortages and limited economic resources due to international sanctions, stands to gain from Russia’s vast natural resources. This alliance could provide Pyongyang with much-needed aid while allowing Moscow to leverage North Korea’s manpower and military equipment.
“It’s a mutually beneficial relationship,” explained Alexander Petrov, a professor of international relations in Moscow. “Russia needs support on the battlefield, and North Korea is looking for allies to help it evade sanctions and improve its economic situation. This alliance, however unlikely it may seem on the surface, serves both nations’ strategic interests.”
The meeting between Putin and Choe Son Hui comes at a time of heightened international tension. Following the announcement, several Western officials issued statements condemning the alleged deployment of North Korean troops, arguing that such an alliance would further destabilize the region.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who was visiting Kyiv on Monday, voiced her concerns about the possibility of North Korean troops joining the Ukraine conflict. In a press conference with Ukrainian officials, she underscored the importance of a united Western response to the alleged alliance, describing it as a “grave escalation that must be addressed swiftly and decisively.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also criticized what he termed a “muted response” from the international community regarding the reports of North Korean troop involvement. Speaking in Kyiv, Zelenskyy urged Western nations to take stronger measures to counteract the threat posed by Russian and North Korean cooperation, warning that this alliance could have lasting repercussions for global security.
“We are fighting not only for Ukraine but for the principles of freedom and democracy,” Zelenskyy stated. “If Russia is allowed to enlist North Korea’s help with no consequences, it will set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts around the world.”
The potential involvement of North Korean troops in Ukraine could have significant implications for the dynamics of the conflict. Analysts suggest that an infusion of 10,000 North Korean soldiers could bolster Russian efforts in key areas along the frontlines, helping to offset the heavy casualties that Russia has reportedly sustained in recent months.
“This would be a game-changer for Russia,” said Robert Kinsley, a former intelligence officer specializing in East Asian affairs. “North Korean soldiers are known for their discipline and resilience. Their deployment in Ukraine could provide Russian forces with a much-needed strategic advantage.”
However, experts also point out that North Korean troops may face substantial logistical and cultural challenges. Differences in language, training, and combat tactics could pose obstacles, potentially hindering the effectiveness of any North Korean deployment.
“It’s not as simple as just putting boots on the ground,” warned Dr. Yuna Lee, a senior research fellow at the Seoul Institute for Strategic Studies. “Integrating a foreign military force into a highly complex and dynamic conflict requires extensive coordination. Without it, the benefits of such support could be limited.”
