Russia: Launched "Comprehensive" Defense Cooperation with North Korea

The Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, noted to foreign military attachés today, Thursday, that "Russia has launched comprehensive defense cooperation with North Korea, as well as continuing its strategic partnership with India and China." Gerasimov stated, "The trajectory of developing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China and India is ongoing. We have initiated effective and comprehensive cooperation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea." Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu visited North Korea in July, and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in September. The United States and its allies have expressed concerns about the possibility that Kim could supply Russia with weapons and ammunition to help replenish its stockpiles used in the war in Ukraine. South Korean lawmakers stated that "Russia assisted Pyongyang in launching an reconnaissance satellite a month ago."