Russia tightens bond with North Korea, sends goats to aid hunger

Diplomatic cooperation between countries is a crucial element of foreign policy. Properly trained officials ensure mutual support in both successes and times of tragedy. On this planet, finding a completely self-sufficient country is nearly impossible. Countries cooperate to enhance trade diversity or secure military and defense needs. An example of such actions is participation in NATO or signing specific international agreements.

For a long time, political scientists have noticed warming and tightening contacts between Russia and North Korea. This cooperation increased in February 2022 following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In mid-June 2024, Vladimir Putin visited Kim Jong Un. During the meeting, the leaders signed an agreement that obliges them to mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the participants. The document is also part of a treaty regulating cooperation in all areas, including education and tourism.

In mid-August, the announced gift arrived in Pyongyang. The Russians sent North Korea a live shipment of 447 goats. The ruminants, originating from the Leningrad region, are to reside in the city of Rason. The sent animals are meant to support the local community, especially children. The goats will produce milk, which is expected to alleviate food shortages in North Korea caused by both government policies and the COVID-19 pandemic. This shipment of mammals is the first of many, with more livestock set to be sent from Russia to North Korea.

Human Rights Watch warns that the hunger situation in North Korea is extremely serious. Activists estimate that 10.7 million out of 25.9 million people in North Korea are malnourished, and 18 percent of children have stunted growth and development due to chronic malnutrition.