Belousov, Russia’s defence minister since May 2024, tops headlines amid Kim–Russia ties and looming military cooperation. Former First Deputy PM (2020–24).
North Korea has opened a memorial in Pyongyang for soldiers who fought for Russia in the Kursk campaign and has hosted a high-level Russian delegation including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin. Kim Jong Un has pledged continued support for Russia and both sides have agreed to deepen military cooperation for 2027–31.