• Putin confirmed that ties with North Korea are developing "as planned."
• The meeting emphasized military collaboration, with North Korean troops aiding Russia in Ukraine.
• Choe Son Hui praised the "spiritual closeness" of the Moscow-Pyongyang relationship.
• North Korea is constructing a memorial for soldiers who died in Ukraine.
• The U.S. has expressed concerns over the deepening Russia-North Korea alliance.

In a recent meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the country’s relationship with North Korea is progressing "according to plan." He made this assertion while hosting North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui at the Kremlin, who conveyed "warm wishes" from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Choe highlighted the "spiritual closeness" between Moscow and Pyongyang, emphasizing the growing connections between the two nations, particularly amid increasing global tensions, according to Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.

The two nations have deepened military cooperation since the onset of the Ukraine war. North Korea has dispatched troops and military supplies to aid Russia's efforts, particularly noted during the recent campaign to regain territory in Ukraine's Kursk region. South Korea estimates that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to support Russia, with substantial casualties reported among them, including estimates of 600 deaths, according to Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, and Reuters.

During discussions, Putin referenced a strategic partnership treaty established in 2024, which commits both nations to mutual defense. This treaty underscores the importance of military relationships in their diplomatic agenda, demonstrating their solidarity against perceived threats from the United States and its allies, as detailed by South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

Moreover, North Korea has recently begun constructing a memorial for its soldiers who died while supporting Russia in Ukraine. This acknowledgment marks a significant shift for North Korea, which historically has been reticent about disclosing troop losses abroad. The increased collaboration is troubling for the U.S., which has noted heightened technology exchanges between Russia and North Korea, including advancements in military and space capabilities, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.