Russian Defense Minister Visits North Korea, Strengthening Ties Amid Growing Global Fears of WWIII

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday, where he met with top military and political leaders. This marks a significant step in the growing relationship between the two nations, raising alarm among global leaders as fears of a potential World War III escalate.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang-chol. Anadolu via Getty Images

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the meeting but did not specify the names of all those Belousov would meet. However, it signals a continued strengthening of ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, coming just weeks after North Korea reportedly sent at least 10,000 troops to fight alongside Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“Russia and North Korea are good neighbours and longtime friends,” Belousov remarked during talks with North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is welcomed by North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol during a ceremony upon his arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. via REUTERS

This visit is especially notable in the context of the diplomatic advances made just five months ago when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. During that visit, the two leaders signed a treaty formally solidifying their “partnership.”

Belousov emphasised the importance of that meeting during his discussions with No, stating that it had “shown the highest level of mutual trust” between the two nations, both adversaries of the United States.

According to Belousov, signing the “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” between Russia and North Korea was the “most important outcome” of the summit.

In photos shared by the Russian Defense Ministry, Belousov was seen walking beside No along a red carpet at a Pyongyang airport. North Korean military officials applauded as they passed under a banner reading, “Complete support and solidarity with the fighting Russian army and people.”

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov shakes hands with North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang-chol during bilateral talks with North Korean delegation in Pyongyang. Russian Defence Ministry/AFP via Getty Images

The increasingly close ties between Russia and North Korea have deeply concerned US officials and defence experts. The deployment of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces in Ukraine represents a significant escalation in the ongoing war, raising fears of a broader conflict. As European nations continue reinforcing their defences, there are growing concerns that the war could spill over into neighbouring countries.

Russia and North Korea are good neighbors and longtime friends,” Belousov said during talks with North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol on Friday, according to the Russian state-owned news outlet, TASS. Russian Defence Ministry/AFP via Getty Images

Recent documents revealed that Germany is preparing to deploy up to 800,000 NATO troops, including Americans, to Ukraine in the event of further escalation. Sweden and Norway have also issued public information, advising citizens on how to prepare for the possibility that the Ukraine conflict might spread into their territories.

Former and future President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned at campaign rallies that the US could be on the verge of World War III. He has pointed to the active involvement of Russia, North Korea, and Iran in conflicts with US allies as evidence of the growing global tensions.