North Korea's elite soldiers train in Russia amidst rising tensions
Reuters reports that an elite delegation of North Korean soldiers visited Russia for military training. "This is the first military exchange between the two countries since their leaders signed a pact committing them to strengthening military cooperation," the report states.
According to Reuters, citing North Korea's KCNA news agency, a delegation of military training officials, led by the president of the Kim Il Sung Military University, Kim Geum Chol, flew to Russia. No details were given, including the purpose of the visit or the specific location in Russia to which the delegation is heading.
Training ground for elite officers
The university, named after the state’s founder, is a training ground for elite military officers.
The military university delegation is the latest visit by North Korean representatives to Russia. In the past year, a record number of high-ranking officials have been exchanged. Among these exchanges was a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang in June.
During the summit, Putin and Kim signed a treaty on a "comprehensive strategic partnership," which includes an agreement on mutual defence that Kim views as equivalent to an alliance.
North Korea, an ally of Russia
The highlighted development of military relations between the two countries concerns officials in Seoul and Washington, who point to evidence of arms deliveries by the North to Russia for use against Ukraine. They believe Pyongyang may be receiving "unknown assistance from Moscow."
Both countries deny any transactions involving weapons.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who will take part in the NATO summit in Washington this week, warned Moscow of the negative consequences of friendship with Pyongyang.
