North Korea has decided to take part in Russia’s Victory Day military parade in May, marking its first-ever participation in the event, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported on January 16, citing multiple sources.
The parade, scheduled for May 9 at Moscow’s Red Square, commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced during a government meeting that 10 countries have confirmed their participation, out of 19 friendly nations invited.
While Belousov did not specify which countries have accepted the invitation, diplomatic sources told NHK that a “political decision” has been made between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The sources added that North Korea’s military band is also expected to join a music event in Moscow later this year, possibly in August. This would mark the first time North Korean forces have participated in such events.
In June last year, Russia and North Korea signed a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement” pledging mutual military support in times of need. Since then, the two nations have intensified their military cooperation, with North Korea reportedly sending troops to support Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The participation of North Korean troops and military representatives in Russia’s high-profile events underscores the deepening ties between the two nations amid growing international isolation.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
