Sergei Shoigu, a prominent Russian security official, engaged in discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to Pyongyang on Friday, according to Russian news agencies.

This meeting occurred at a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where the United States has accused North Korea of providing ammunition and ballistic missiles to Russia. The U.S. and its allies are currently deliberating whether to permit Ukraine to utilize Western-supplied long-range missiles for strikes deep within Russian territory.

President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that such actions would equate to direct conflict between the West and Russia. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have refuted claims of arms transfers but have expressed intentions to enhance military cooperation.

Since the onset of the Ukraine war, Russia has strengthened its ties with North Korea, highlighted by Kim’s state visit to meet Putin in June.

Shoigu, who served as Russia’s defense minister until May, now holds the position of secretary of the Security Council, which includes Putin, military and intelligence leaders, and other high-ranking officials. The Security Council reported that the discussions involved a comprehensive exchange of views on various bilateral and international matters, emphasizing the ongoing strategic dialogue between the two nations.

The meetings were characterized as taking place in an “exceptionally trusting, friendly atmosphere,” contributing significantly to the agreements established during the summit between Putin and Kim three months prior.