Russia's Defense Visit to Pyongyang...Discussion of additional dispatch and compensation?

[Anchor]
Russia's defense minister made a surprise visit to North Korea amid the intensifying war between Russia and Ukraine ahead of the launch of Trump's second term calling for an end to the war.

Russia is expected to ask North Korea for additional military aid, including additional troops, and discuss the price for it.

Reporter Shin Woong-jin's report.

[Reporter]
A grand welcoming ceremony was held when Russian Defense Minister Andrei Bellowsov arrived at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.

In North Korea, military personnel lined up to greet them.

As his first visit to North Korea, Bellowsov discussed military cooperation with North Korean Defense Minister Noh Kwang-chul.

[Andrey Bellowsov/Russian Defense Minister] The two countries have shown a common desire to expand mutually beneficial cooperation even in difficult international situations.]

Details of the talks, including North Korea's remarks, have not been made, but some speculations are possible.

It is believed that Russia first requested additional troops and weapons such as missiles, in addition to the 10,000 North Korean troops that were previously deployed.

In addition, military technology and resources that Russia will provide to North Korea in return are likely to have been discussed.

North Korea and Russia have been speeding up military cooperation since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed by the leaders of the two countries in June.

[Minister of Defense Andrey Bellowsov / Russia: The treaty aims to play a stable role in Northeast Asia, to contribute positively to maintaining the balance of power in the region, and to reduce the risk of a recurrence of war on the Korean Peninsula.]

Russia's Defense Ministry said Bellowsov will hold several bilateral meetings with military and political leaders during his visit to North Korea, but Chairman Kim Jong-un is also likely to meet.

This is because North Korean Foreign Minister Choi Sun-hee, who recently visited Russia, also met with President Putin without notice on the 4th.

Bellowsov is expected to deliver Putin's message to Kim Jong-un for additional military aid.

I'm YTN's Shin Woongjin.