In brief
Putin's recent discussions with Kim reinforce their alliance, coinciding with ongoing military strides in Ukraine and reports of serious labor issues facing North Korean workers in Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has solidified his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un just days before his highly anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday. This development comes amid alarming reports regarding the "slave-like" conditions endured by countless North Korean laborers deployed to Russia for various construction projects.In a conversation on Tuesday, Putin extended his appreciation for North Korea's military backing of Russia's ongoing efforts in Ukraine, where recent military operations have allowed Russian forces to push their front line closer to the eastern town of Dobropillia, achieving advancements of around 10 kilometers in a remarkably short timeframe. According to an official statement from the Kremlin, both leaders "reaffirmed their commitment to further friendship relations, good-neighbourliness, and cooperation." Putin took this opportunity to brief Kim on preparations for the upcoming summit in Alaska and shared relevant information concerning his discussions with Trump. However, North Korea did not reference this aspect in its own official response.Putin's endorsement of North Korea's support in reclaiming the Kursk region, underscored a growing dependency on North Korean military resources since the Ukrainian army's temporary incursion last year, which demonstrated Ukraine's tactical capabilities in countering Russian aggression.As Putin gears up for his first face-to-face encounter with a U.S. president since the outbreak of full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022, reports indicate an intensified alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. Recent estimates suggest that at least 10,000 North Korean soldiers are now fighting alongside Russian troops, bolstering a partnership that includes the provision of missiles, artillery shells, and labor from North Korea.With a significant portion of Russian personnel either lost in combat, engaged in conflict, or having crossed borders in search of safety, South Korean intelligence has reported an increasing reliance on North Korean laborers in Russia. These developments raise pressing concerns about the welfare and treatment of North Korean workers, who have voiced their grievances about their dire conditions in Russia through various media channels.
