Media learn about escape of high-ranking diplomat from DPRK to South Korea

This was reported by Ukrinform with reference to NK News.

"A North Korean “pitical counselor” based at the country’s embassy in Cuba recently defected to South Korea, Seoul’s intelligence service has confirmed, flowing the publication of a local media interview with the diplomat," the publication said.

It is noted that a diplomat named Ri Yong Ho worked in Cuba for nine years, but suddenly left his post in November 2023.

In an interview with South Korean media, Ri explained that he was disappointed in the DPRK regime. He was prompted to flee by corruption in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fact that the authorities rejected his request to visit Mexico for medical treatment.

Speaking to journalists, he spoke about Kim Jong-un's dismissive attitude to his own Foreign Ministry and the fate of two high-ranking diplomats.

Read also: Russia's rapprochement with DPRK threatens entire region – EU official

In particular, the fugitive confirmed that former DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Han Song Ry was executed on charges of spying for the United States. And North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho was sent to a pitical camp with his family in December 2019 on corruption charges.

As Ukrinform reported, NATO has no doubt that North Korea is providing significant military support to Russia to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine.