North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly planning to travel to Russia for a high-stakes meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The essential plan of this gathering, as unveiled by the US government, is discussions around the potential sale of weapons to support Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
This revelation comes as a significant development in the complex web of international relations, where two nations that have faced international sanctions and scrutiny are seemingly deepening their military ties.
Also Read: Quran Burnings: Violent Protests in Sweden, At Least 3 Arrested
The National Security Council of the United States issued a warning on Monday, stating that discussions among Russia and North Korea with respect to arms deals are effectively advancing.
This assertion followed a visit by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to Pyongyang in July, during which he aimed to persuade North Korea to supply artillery ammunition to Russia.
Adrienne Watson, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Kim Jong Un anticipates these discussions to continue and potentially escalate to leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia.
While the US government didn’t specify an exact date or area for the expected gathering among Kim and Putin, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the possibility of Kim Jong Un visiting Russia in the near future.
Despite these reports and the global implications of such a meeting, the Russian embassy in Washington remained tight-lipped, declining to comment, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov merely stated, “We have nothing to say on the subject.”
The US and its allies are developing progressively worried about the technology that North Korea may seek from Russia in exchange for weaponry.
The technology in question is said to have the potential to advance North Korea’s satellite and nuclear-powered submarine capabilities, thereby significantly enhancing its military prowess.
Also Read: Antarctica: Australia Evacuates Sick Researcher from Outpost
Quite, North Korea encountered a new difficulty when its endeavor to send off a government operative satellite into space fizzled. Furthermore, North Korea as of now has no nuclear-powered submarines, according to assessments by the Nuclear Threat Initiative.
The likely gathering between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in Russia is supposed to occur this month, as announced by The New York Times.
The venue is probably going to be the city of Vladivostok on Russia’s eastern coast, coinciding with the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled from September 10 to 13. It’s worth recalling that Kim previously visited Russia in 2019, arriving in Vladivostok via an armored train, his preferred mode of travel.
This expected visit by Kim comes when the US has raised worries about North Korea’s military assistance to Russia’s efforts in Ukraine, a move that could potentially violate US sanctions.
In response to these concerns, the US Treasury recently imposed sanctions on three entities allegedly involved in arms deals between North Korea and Russia.
Since Sergei Shoigu’s visit to North Korea in July, one more delegation of Russian officials has reportedly traveled to Pyongyang for further discussions on a potential arms deal.
According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, both Putin and Kim have exchanged letters pledging to enhance their bilateral cooperation.
Also Read: Germany’s Largest Hindu Temple Set to Open in Berlin
It is essential to note that North Korea had previously delivered infantry rockets and missiles to Russia for use by private military contractors known as the Wagner Group. The possible arrangement being talked about could include a lot bigger inventory of weapons to Russian soldiers.
The US, worried about the possibility of nations offering help to Russia in its conflict in Ukraine, has regularly declassified intelligence related to such support. Apart from North Korea, Russia has received drones and artillery from Iran.
While Chinese state-owned defense companies have supplied technology and equipment to Russia, there have been no signs yet that China has provided weapons or lethal military aid to Russia.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu recently disclosed that Russia is in discussions about holding joint military exercises with North Korea.
He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries, referring to an old Russian saying that underscores the significance of harmonious relations with neighboring nations.
The Eastern Economic Forum, which has been held in Vladivostok since 2015, serves as Russia’s initiative to attract foreign investment to its Far East region. Over the years, China, Russia’s nearest diplomatic partner, has sent high-level delegations to the forum.
However, in a move signaling shifting priorities, Chinese leader Xi Jinping decided to skip this year’s Group of 20 (G20) leader’s summit in India, marking the first time since his ascent to power that he would not attend. The overlap between the Eastern Economic Forum and the G20 summit further highlights the evolving dynamics in international relations.
Also Read: Burning Man Festival: 70,000 People are Stranded due to Heavy Rains
Top Sources Related to Kim Jong Un to Visit Vladimir Putin for Weapons Talks (For R&D)
CNN News:
Sources Related to Russia-Ukraine War (For R&D)
- History of Russo-Ukrainian War
- The past and present of Russia’s war in Ukraine
- Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events
- Ukraine Drone Strikes Russian Tankers and Naval Ships
- Russia Factory Explosion
- Chernihiv: Russian Missile Strike Kills 7 and Injures 144
- Russia: Fire Breaks Out at Oil Depot in St. Petersburg