Story perspectives

Russia, North Korea Set 2027-31 Roadmap, Open Ukraine Memorial

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

During Defence Minister Andrei Belousov’s visit to Pyongyang, Russia and North Korea agreed to draft a roadmap for 2027-2031.
Belousov and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a memorial museum for soldiers killed in Ukraine, with State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin attending.
South Korean intelligence estimates about 15,000 North Korean troops fought in the Kursk region, 2,000 were killed, while Russia’s aid helps the North earn up to $14.4 billion.

History

Historical Context

After the Soviet Union occupied northern Korea in 1945 and helped install Kim Il Sung, the two states signed a 1961 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance that anchored Cold-War ties. Relations revived after 2018 and deepened following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, leading Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Kim Jong Un and Duma Speaker Volodin to draft a 2027-2031 strategic roadmap.

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Story summary

During Defence Minister Andrei Belousov’s visit to Pyongyang, Russia and North Korea agreed to draft a roadmap for 2027-2031.
Belousov and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a memorial museum for soldiers killed in Ukraine, with State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin attending.
South Korean intelligence estimates about 15,000 North Korean troops fought in the Kursk region, 2,000 were killed, while Russia’s aid helps the North earn up to $14.4 billion.

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