The Russian Minister of Defense, Andrei Belousov, met with Kim Jong Un to discuss long-term military cooperation. North Korea has sent troops and resources to support Russia in the war in Ukraine.

On April 26, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met in Pyongyang with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, where they agreed on long-term military cooperation between North Korea and the Russian Federation. North Korea has deployed thousands of troops, missiles, and ammunition in support of Russia in the conflict in Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region, where the Ukrainian army has had a significant presence. Estimates from South Korea indicate that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in this war. In return, North Korea benefits from aid from Russia, including financial assistance, military technologies, food, and energy, thus facilitating the circumvention of international sanctions. Belousov emphasized the importance of sustainable military cooperation, and the Chairman of the Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, thanked Kim Jong Un for his contribution to the "liberation" of Kursk. Additionally, in 2024, the two countries signed a military treaty that provides for mutual military assistance in the event of an attack.