Russia strengthens ties with North Korea through livestock aid

Diplomatic cooperation between various countries is an extremely important element of foreign policy. Properly trained officials ensure that countries show mutual support in moments of success and tragedy. On this planet, it is hard to find a completely self-sufficient country. Countries cooperate with each other to increase trade diversity or secure military and defence needs. Examples of such actions are the presence of NATO or the signing of specific international agreements.

For a long time, political scientists have noticed warming and tightening contacts between Russia and North Korea. The cooperation between the two countries increased in February 2022 after 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 that regulates cooperation in all areas, including education and tourism.

In mid-August, the announced gift arrived in Pyongyang. The Russians sent North Korea a live package containing 450 goats. The ruminants originating from the Leningrad region are to reside in the city of Rason. The sent animals are supposed to support the local community and, most importantly – children. The goats will produce milk, which is supposed to alleviate food shortages in North Korea caused by government policies and the COVID-19 pandemic. The sent mammals constitute the first of many announced shipments in which other livestock are supposed 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.