Russia has sent 447 goats to North Korea as part of a broader cooperation deal between Moscow and Pyongyang, following a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The goats, delivered to the North Korean city of Rason, are part of the first batch of farm animals intended to help alleviate the country’s severe food shortages by providing dairy products to children.
The shipment, confirmed by Russia’s agriculture safety watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. The goats were exported from Russia’s Leningrad region and are part of Moscow’s broader initiative to support North Korea’s agriculture sector. The goats will be used on newly built large-capacity goat farms in the Nampho Municipality to bolster dairy production for local children.
The move comes as North Korea faces widespread malnutrition, with 10.7 million of its 25.9 million population undernourished, according to Human Rights Watch. Chronic malnutrition affects 18% of North Korean children, leading to impaired growth and development.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Meets In Pyongyang
Russia’s increased support for North Korea follows its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with North Korea openly backing the assault. Despite allegations that Pyongyang has supplied weapons to Russia, both countries have denied any military collaboration.
During Putin’s recent visit to North Korea, the two leaders signed an agreement pledging mutual assistance in the event of external aggression. This agreement is part of a broader treaty covering various sectors, including education, agriculture, and tourism, as reported by Russian state media.
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