Overview
- North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui arrived in Moscow for an official visit and met President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, July 19, at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
- In a Kremlin video, Putin publicly thanked Pyongyang for its support to Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and praised the ties between the two countries.
- North Korean state media did not publish Choe’s full agenda or itinerary, and analysts and outlets report the trip may be preparing or coordinating a possible visit by Kim Jong-un to Russia.
- Reports from South Korean, U.S. and Ukrainian officials say the 2024 Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has led to expanded cooperation, including North Korean troop deployments and weapons transfers to help Russia and reciprocal Russian aid in finance, energy and technology.
- Seoul says it is closely monitoring the meetings as Pyongyang also restores high-level ties with China, a pattern that raises sanctions, proliferation and regional-stability concerns and could shape future diplomatic and material exchanges.