Shoigu's visit marks the initial occasion of a Russian defense minister traveling to North Korea since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
 |
| North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visit an exhibition of armed equipment on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency on July 27, 2023. KCNA via REUTERS |
North Korean state media reported that Russia's defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, accompanied North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to a defense exhibition showcasing the North's banned ballistic missiles. The visit, which included a Chinese delegation with a Politburo member, coincided with the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, celebrated in North Korea as "Victory Day." The display of banned missiles served as a backdrop for a show of solidarity between the three countries, united by their rivalry with the U.S. This visit by Shoigu marks the first time a Russian defense minister has traveled to North Korea since the fall of the Soviet Union.
The event marked North Korea's first significant opening to the world since the coronavirus pandemic. During the visit, Shoigu presented Kim with a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, strengthening the strategic and traditional relations between North Korea and Russia. Kim expressed gratitude for the military delegation and discussed mutual concerns related to safeguarding sovereignty, development, and interests from imperialist practices, while expressing belief in Russia's future success.
Kim led Shoigu on a tour of an exhibition featuring new weapons and military equipment, including ballistic missiles displayed on multi-axle transporter launchers and a possible new drone. This inspection was seen by analysts as a sign of Russian acceptance of North Korea's nuclear program. Kim also met with Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong and received a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the importance of DPRK-China friendship.
The visit has raised the possibility of more open support for North Korea from Russia, especially given Russia's isolation by the West due to its invasion of Ukraine. While Russia has limited its official military cooperation with North Korea, the changing post-Cold War order might lead Russia to be more willing to disregard sanctions, considering its lax attitude toward North Korea's nuclear status in the past. The White House has expressed concerns about Russia's outreach to North Korea, suspecting that Russia is seeking support for its war in Ukraine.
North Korea has declared its status as a nuclear-armed state "irreversible" and threatened nuclear retaliation in response to the deployment of strategic military assets near the Korean peninsula by the United States. Despite denials from North Korea and Russia, the White House claims that North Korea has provided military support, including weapons, to Russia during its conflict with Ukraine.