Russian Military Forces on High Alert at DPRK Border

Just when you think tensions are starting to settle on the Korean Peninsula, something like this happens.

Russia has put its forces on alert in the country's far east because of increased tension on the Korean Peninsula, the Interfax news agency quoted the top military commander as saying Tuesday.

"Without a doubt, we have taken measures to increase the combat-readiness of our forces," military General Staff chief Nikolai Makarov said, Interfax reported. He said the military was "continuing to monitor" the situation.

I've been watching almost daily to see if there is any evidence of China moving military forces towards the border with North Korea, but I haven't seen anything. I am not sure what it means that Russia is making moves, now, after all this time? Clearly it is prudent given the situation over the last few weeks, but the timing seems a little off - as in late.

Although the military activity may coincide with this:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his North Korean counterpart in Moscow on Monday and condemned the artillery attack on Yeongpyeong Island.

According to the Russian foreign ministry, Lavrov met with North Korean Foreign Minister Park Ui-chun and told him that the shelling of the inhabited South Korean island, which killed four people, is blameworthy.

Lavrov had condemned the North’s Nov. 23 attack hours afterward, but Monday’s statement is considered a much stronger response as it was made directly to the first high-ranking North Korean official visiting Russia since the shelling.

Other developments include North Korea agreeing with China for 6 party talks, although it is unclear if South Korea, Japan, and the US will agree to talks. A large American diplomatic envoy will arrive in the region on Thursday, but it is unclear what they intend to accomplish given the mood in South Korea. Bill Richardson, for example, will be going to North Korea on Thursday for what is being described as a private trip. I have no idea what he thinks his trip will accomplish, and it is unclear if he is acting on behalf of the administration in an informal role.