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Russian Defence Minister In North Korea for Talks; Putin Sends Memorial Opening Telegram
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea for talks with top leadership and military officials and to participate in ceremonial events. Earlier, Vyacheslav Volodin arrived to attend a memorial opening for soldiers who died in Ukraine. President Putin sent a telegram to Kim Jong Un marking the memorial opening and expressing confidence in strengthened ties.
Why It Matters
Shows deepening Russia-North Korea ties, including high-level military diplomacy and commemorations that underscore a broader strategic partnership.
Timeline
5 Events
Putin sends memorial opening telegram to Kim Jong Un
April 26, 2026
President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to Kim Jong Un to mark the memorial opening, thanking Kim and North Korean soldiers for helping Russia repel a major Ukrainian incursion into Kursk and expressing confidence in strengthening strategic partnership.
Belousov arrives in North Korea for talks and ceremonies
April 26, 2026
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea and is due to hold talks with top leadership and senior military officials and participate in ceremonial and commemorative events.
Volodin arrives in Pyongyang for memorial opening
April 2026
Russia's State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin arrived in Pyongyang and will attend the opening ceremony of a newly built memorial for North Korean troops who died fighting in the Ukraine war.
June 2024 meeting and treaty between Kim and Putin
June 2024
Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin met in June 2024 and signed a comprehensive strategic treaty that includes a mutual defence pact.
Development of Russia-North Korea relations since 2023
2023
Relations between Russia and North Korea have rapidly developed in diplomatic and military aspects since 2023.