Russia and North Korea Deepen Cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin assured North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that Moscow and Pyongyang are expanding cooperation in all areas and coordinating their actions on regional security issues.

In a message marking the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese rule, he expressed his conviction that the two countries will continue to act in concert on international issues as well.

Kim, meanwhile, visited a memorial in Pyongyang dedicated to Soviet soldiers who fought against Japan during World War II. He emphasized the historic "blood ties" and comradeship between the two countries.

The growing rapprochement between Russia and North Korea is raising concerns abroad, particularly over Moscow's support in the war in Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly claimed that Russia is using North Korean missiles against Ukraine and that Pyongyang is supplying Moscow with ammunition, missiles and soldiers. According to analysts, North Korea is seeking to strengthen its ties with both Russia and China.

(Reuters, mja)