SEOUL, South Korea - Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to North Korea on Tuesday, aiming to garner support from leader Kim Jong Un in his ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This two-day visit marks Putin's first trip to North Korea in 24 years, amid escalating tensions in the region.

The visit comes at a time when North Korean soldiers have crossed the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea for the second time this month, prompting warning shots from South Korean soldiers. Putin's letter, published in the mouthpiece of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, expressed gratitude for North Korea's support in what he referred to as Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine.

In his letter, Putin vowed to extend support to North Korea's efforts in defending its interests, citing years of alleged "U.S. economic pressure, provocation, blackmail, and military threats." This references the growing alignment between the two countries in their animosity toward the West, which has raised concerns about the transfer of arms and intelligence that could further fuel Putin's ambitions in Ukraine and Kim Jong Un's nuclear aspirations.

Reports from Russian state media indicate that a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement will be signed between Russia and North Korea during the visit. The agreement, according to Putin's foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, is "aimed at ensuring greater stability in the Northeast Asia region" and is not intended to be directed against any specific countries.

North Korea's role as a critical source of military support for Russia's depleting arsenal has become increasingly significant. However, North Korea remains under U.N. Security Council sanctions due to its nuclear weapons and missile programs, while Russia is facing isolation from Western sanctions imposed in response to its actions in Ukraine.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry has emphasized that any cooperation between Russia and North Korea must not violate U.N. Security Council resolutions, conveying this message to Russia ahead of Putin's visit. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba dismissed the apparent alignment between Kim and Putin as a "lonely bromance," urging the continued strengthening of diplomatic efforts for peace in Ukraine.

While both countries are likely to deny any illicit activities, experts note that North Korea and Russia have begun openly flaunting their cooperation, indicating a shift in their approaches. The visit also allows North Korean state media to portray Kim Jong Un as a global leader, following his visit to Russia's Far East last year.

As Putin arrived in North Korea, South Korean officials reported that around 30 North Korean soldiers had illegally crossed the military demarcation line within the Demilitarized Zone. These soldiers retreated to the North Korean side after South Korean military forces issued warnings and fired shots. This incident follows a similar border crossing on June 9, which South Korean authorities believe was unintentional.

South Korean officials reveal that the North Korean soldiers were engaged in various activities along the border, including planting mines, constructing walls, and building roads for military purposes. Similar work has been ongoing since November 2019 when North Korea suspended a military agreement aimed at reducing tensions with South Korea. South Korea responded by fully suspending the agreement upon the North's recent actions involving balloons carrying trash.

Furthermore, South Korean officials confirmed that there have been casualties among North Korean soldiers due to land mine explosions along the border. They expressed concern that despite these accidents and casualties, North Korean soldiers continue their labor.

In conclusion, Putin's visit to North Korea seeks to solidify support for Russia's actions in Ukraine, while also strengthening ties between the two countries. These developments raise international concerns about the escalating tensions in the region and the potential fallout from the increased alignment between North Korea and Russia.