Finance
Seoul: In a rare diplomatic move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to visit Russia later this month to meet with President Vladimir Putin, with discussions reportedly focused on supplying arms to Moscow for its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, according to US officials. As Ukraine presses on with a closely-watched counteroffensive, Putin has expressed a need for additional military support. The White House’s National Security Council spokeswoman, Adrienne Watson, stated that “arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing,” indicating that Kim Jong Un anticipates engaging in leader-level diplomatic talks in Russia.
Possible Armament Exchange
Reports suggest that Kim Jong Un may travel to Vladivostok, on Russia’s Pacific coast, by armored train, which is not far from North Korea, to meet with Putin. The New York Times reported that Putin is seeking artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea. Kim is, in turn, reportedly interested in obtaining advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as food aid for his nation.
Growing Possibility of an Arms Deal
Furthermore, an official from Seoul’s unification ministry emphasized the “growing possibility” of an arms deal between Pyongyang and Moscow. They underscored the critical importance of conducting such cooperation within the bounds of international norms and a commitment to peace.
Diplomatic Significance and Geopolitical Implications
Analysts suggest that a summit between North Korea and Russia could serve as a means for both nations to break away from diplomatic isolation and convey a message to Washington, which has been strengthening defense cooperation with South Korea and Japan. The United States, Britain, South Korea, and Japan have already expressed concerns that increased cooperation between Russia and North Korea could violate Security Council resolutions prohibiting arms deals with Pyongyang.
Impact of Sanctions
Experts note that sanctions are unlikely to deter Russia and North Korea from engaging in weapons trade, given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the strategic competition between the United States and China, which has disrupted the current UN Security Council system.
US Sanctions and Ukraine’s Counteroffensive
The United States recently imposed sanctions on three entities accused of facilitating arms deals between North Korea and Russia as part of its efforts to restrict support for Moscow’s involvement in Ukraine. Despite some progress in Ukraine’s counteroffensive, Putin reiterated that the attempt to reclaim territory lost since Russia’s February 2022 invasion had been unsuccessful during a press conference with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi.
The situation continues to evolve as diplomatic negotiations and geopolitical tensions persist in the region.
