**Japan's Foreign Minister in Kyiv to Address North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation**

KYIV, Ukraine - Japan's foreign minister, Takeshi Iwaya, touched down in Kyiv on Saturday to discuss escalating military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, which includes North Korea contributing thousands of troops to bolster Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.

During his visit, Iwaya plans to engage in discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha. The key points on their agenda include Japan’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion and the implementation of additional sanctions against Moscow. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized Tokyo's "grave concern" regarding the intensified military relations between North Korea and Russia.

U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian intelligence reports have assessed that up to 12,000 North Korean troops have been dispatched to Russia under a significant defense agreement between the two nations. Recently, Ukrainian officials disclosed that small-scale skirmishes occurred between Ukrainian and North Korean troops, with Ukraine's army launching artillery attacks on North Korean forces situated in Russia’s Kursk border region following a surprise offensive by Ukraine on August 6.

Sybiha, at a joint press conference alongside Iwaya, expressed concerns about Pyongyang's involvement in the conflict, suggesting that North Korea is supporting Moscow's invasion in exchange for access to Russian missile, nuclear, and other military technologies. He underscored the broader implications of this alliance, stating, “The deepening military-technical cooperation between Russia, North Korea and Iran poses a direct threat not only to Europe but also to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.”

Highlighting the necessity for robust and systematic support for Ukraine, Sybiha emphasized that such a strategy is crucial to halt Russia's advances and achieve a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace.