Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has begun a high-stakes three-day visit to North Korea, underscoring deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang amid the Ukraine war. Lavrov praised the “invincible brotherhood” between the nations during talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui in Wonsan.

It was reported last week that North Korea plans to triple the number of troops fighting with Russia along the front lines in Ukraine—sending an additional 25,000-30,000 troops. Troops will arrive in the next few months, adding to the 11,000 North Korean troops that were sent in November.