🇷🇺 Lavrov Heads to North Korea Amid Military Alliance Deepening
North Korea in Russia’s war takes center stage as Lavrov visits July 11–13, deepening the Moscow-Pyongyang alliance.
Lavrov’s visit, confirmed by both Russian and North Korean state media, is part of a second round of strategic dialogue. It could include meetings with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui—and possibly Kim Jong Un himself.
North Korea Sends Thousands More Troops to Ukraine
According to Ukrainian intelligence, an additional 25,000 to 30,000 North Korean troops are expected to join the war in support of Russia, on top of the 11,000 soldiers already deployed in 2024.
Despite massive losses—over 4,000 North Korean casualties, per Western estimates—Pyongyang continues to supply Russia with military manpower and weapons, including:
- 100+ ballistic missiles
- 9 million artillery shells
- Troop logistics via cargo planes and ships
Satellite Photos Verify Military Movements
There is a constant flow of personnel and supplies between North Korea and Russia, according to satellite photos and internet video. Reports of translated artillery manuals and North Korean soldiers fighting in dugouts alongside Russian troops confirm growing military interoperability.
Western analysts say this support is driven by Russia’s depleted stockpiles and desperate need for artillery as its war against Ukraine drags on.
Global Security Risks Rising
The visit could shift more than battlefield dynamics. Analysts warn this strategic military relationship may reshape Asia’s security balance, especially with North Korea’s missile capabilities now in wider circulation.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently accused Vladimir Putin of sabotaging peace efforts and pledged more support to Ukraine, as Russia launched a record 728 drones and 13 missiles in a single day, including a multi-directional drone assault on Kyiv.
What Comes Next?
Lavrov’s visit may result in:
- Expanded military training coordination
- Future weapons agreements
- Potential Kim-Putin summit
- Reinforcement of a Russia–North Korea axis
The world watches closely as two of the most heavily sanctioned regimes deepen their cooperation—one deploying troops, the other launching missiles, both united by opposition to the West.
Source: CNN