Russia says Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to Pyongyang

Russia says Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to Pyongyang

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to Pyongyang, according to Russian state media [1]. The meeting took place as part of the second round of strategic dialogue between top diplomats, following Lavrov's visit to North Korea from July 11 to 13.

The visit comes at a crucial time for Russian-North Korean relations, with North Korea set to deploy an additional 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers to assist Moscow's scaled-up assault on Ukraine [1]. This deployment is part of an ongoing military partnership between the two countries, which has seen North Korea supply Russia with significant amounts of ammunition and military equipment [2].

Lavrov's meeting with Kim Jong Un is likely to discuss further military cooperation and the potential for technology transfers, which have raised concerns among US, South Korean, and Japanese officials [3]. The two countries have been deepening ties despite international sanctions, with North Korea providing as much as 40% of Russia's ammunition for the war in Ukraine [2].

The visit also coincides with Russia's intensified aerial assault on Ukraine, with the country launching a record 728 drones and 13 missiles on July 11 [1]. This escalation has strained Ukraine's defenses and highlights the growing role of North Korean troops in the conflict.

References:
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/11/asia/russia-north-korea-lavrov-ukraine-intl-hnk
[2] https://www.livemint.com/news/world/russias-lavrov-in-north-korea-for-latest-high-level-visit-11752297270084.html
[3] https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/russia-s-lavrov-to-visit-north-korea-this-week-in-an-effort-to-boost-ties-125070900639_1.html