The Kremlin has, unsurprisingly, declined to comment on the question of whether Russia is supporting North Korea’s missile program. The inquiry follows Pyongyang’s recent test of what it claims is the “world’s most powerful strategic weapon,” which has spurred warnings from Seoul that Russia may be sharing missile technology with North Korea in exchange for Pyongyang’s help in Ukraine.
Adding fuel to the speculation, U.S. and NATO officials allege that North Korean soldiers are already stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine has made recent incursions. The Pentagon claims even more North Korean troops are on their way. Yet, Moscow remains evasive, with President Vladimir Putin giving a vague response that North Korea’s presence in Russia is purely “Russia’s business.”
When Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked directly if Moscow is sharing military technology with North Korea, he sidestepped, claiming he didn’t have “that information” and advised reporters to check with the Ministry of Defence. He doubled down on Russia’s “sovereign right” to develop relations with North Korea, defending the so-called “comprehensive strategic partnership” signed between Putin and Kim Jong Un, which includes a mutual defense clause.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui is en route to Moscow for strategic talks with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, marking her second visit in six weeks. With tensions simmering and rumors flying, the world watches as Russia and North Korea continue to solidify an alliance that raises more questions than it answers.
