Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived unannounced in Pyongyang, North Korea, for an official visit to discuss expanding military cooperation between the two countries. He is scheduled to meet with North Korean military and political leaders, including Defense Minister No Kwang Chol. Belousov stated that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is rapidly expanding and referred to North Korea as a 'good neighbor and long-standing friend'. The comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations aims to reduce the risk of war in Northeast Asia. North Korea expressed support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it a 'just war'.
