Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of Russia's State Duma, visited North Korea on August 14 and 15 to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The visit, initiated at the invitation of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly, underscores the close diplomatic ties between Russia and North Korea. During his stay in Pyongyang, Volodin met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, conveying Russian President Vladimir Putin's congratulations on the milestone anniversary. Both leaders spoke at the commemorative ceremony, highlighting the ongoing cooperation and diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The delegation also included the pro-Putin singer Shaman, emphasizing the cultural dimension of the visit.