In a gesture of military prowess and diplomatic outreach, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased the country's latest weapons to Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a high-profile visit on Wednesday.
The occasion was the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, marked by grand military parades.
The event saw the attendance of a Russian delegation led by Defence Minister Shoigu, along with Chinese officials.
Among the weapons unveiled was the Hwasong Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which had been successfully tested in April.
Notably, this ICBM is believed to be North Korea's first to utilize solid propellants, allowing for quicker launch times compared to liquid-fuel models.
In addition to the ICBM, two new drone designs were also displayed. One of these drones reportedly resembled the primary offensive strike drone used by the US Air Force, as per NK News, a specialized site focusing on North Korea.
Mr. Shoigu's visit coincided with accusations that North Korea was supplying arms to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a claim denied by both Pyongyang and Moscow.
The discussions between Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu touched on matters related to national defense and the international security environment, as stated by North Korea's KCNA news agency.
The visit of the Russian and Chinese delegations for North Korea's Victory Day marked the first time since the Covid pandemic that foreign guests were welcomed into the reclusive nation.
The event held particular historical significance, as it commemorated the 1953 end of hostilities, yet no formal peace agreement has been reached since the conflict ended, technically leaving North and South Korea still at war.
North Korea's ties with Russia and China have been long-standing, and their presence at the parade emphasizes the enduring alliance.
Furthermore, some analysts speculate that the inclusion of foreign envoys in this year's parade might indicate a potential relaxation of Covid restrictions in the isolated nation.
Recent state media images showing North Koreans without masks raised eyebrows, as the country had earlier cut off all trade and diplomatic ties, even with its main economic and political partners, Russia and China, at the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
The event concluded with a message of camaraderie, as Mr. Shoigu handed Kim Jong Un an autographed letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the visiting Chinese delegation presented a personal letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Both letters expressed sentiments of friendship and solidarity, commemorating their shared history of support during the Korean War.
The Victory Day parade offered the world a glimpse of North Korea's military capabilities while potentially hinting at signs of diplomatic re-engagement amid the evolving global landscape.