Overview

• North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui is in Moscow for talks with her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, amid international concerns over an alleged arms cooperation deal between Pyongyang and Moscow.
• Russia has deepened ties with North Korea since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with the United States and its allies condemning what they say have been significant North Korean missile deliveries to Russia to help its war effort.
• Both Russia and North Korea have repeatedly dismissed the criticism, with Moscow stating it will develop ties with whatever countries it wants and that its cooperation with Pyongyang does not contravene international agreements.
• During Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted an invitation to visit North Korea, and Choe's talks in Moscow are expected to include discussions about that potential trip.
• The United States and South Korea have accused North Korea of providing artillery munitions and missiles for Russia to use in Ukraine, a claim both Russia and North Korea have dismissed.