A delegation of North Korean military trainers, led by Kim Geum Chol, the president of the prestigious Kim Il Sung Military University in Pyongyang, has embarked on a trip to Russia. This visit marks the first military exchange between the two countries since the signing of a comprehensive military cooperation treaty last month. The delegation’s departure was reported by North Korean state media on July 9, signaling a new phase in the military relationship between North Korea and Russia.
The recent collaboration follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in mid-June, where he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The two leaders engaged in extended talks before signing a partnership agreement that pledged mutual military and other forms of aid if either nation were attacked.
Pyongyang has been a supplier of weapons to Moscow, particularly for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The visit by North Korean military trainers is a concrete step in the military partnership, reflecting the commitments made in the recent treaty. The state media announcement did not provide further details about the visit’s agenda or duration.
The growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns internationally. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described the alliance as a “distinct threat and a grave challenge to the peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in Europe.” This sentiment is shared by various international observers who view the alliance as a destabilizing factor in regional and global security.
In parallel developments, discussions about international military support continue elsewhere. France is considering sending military trainers to Ukraine, as revealed by Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who has signed documents to facilitate the arrival of the first French instructors. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed a desire to form a coalition of countries to support Ukraine through military training, though U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly opposes this proposal.
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