North Korean leader Kim arrives in Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia, indicating that a meeting with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is imminent. According to the Kremlin, the talks will also address “sensitive issues”.
The train carrying North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reached Russia, confirmed Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Prior to this, Russian and South Korean media reported that the train carrying Kim had crossed the Russian border.
Kim is set to meet with President Vladimir Putin in Russia. Peskov stated that the meeting would take place “in the coming days” in the Far East region of the country. In addition to a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders and discussions among their delegations, an official dinner will also be held. However, a press conference is not planned.
The exact location and timing of the meeting between Kim and Putin have not been announced by the Kremlin spokesperson. Speculation suggests that it could take place in Russia’s Far Eastern city of Vladivostok during an economic forum, which will continue until Wednesday.
Discussions on “sensitive issues”
The talks are expected to cover cooperation between the two countries in various areas, as well as the regional situation and international matters, according to Peskov. “Sensitive issues” will also be addressed, without paying attention to “warnings” from the United States. “Of course, both countries work together in sensitive areas, as is customary for neighboring states,” the spokesperson was quoted by the Tass news agency. “However, these areas will neither be disclosed nor promoted.”
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko, as reported by the Interfax news agency, the South Korean government will be informed of the outcome of the meeting, if desired. “If the South Korean embassy in Moscow wishes, we will provide the available information.”
Observers anticipate arms deals
After days of speculation abroad, Moscow and Pyongyang confirmed Kim’s “official visit” to Russia on Monday. The United States suspects that the main purpose of the visit is arms trade between Russia and the heavily fortified North Korea. “Any transfer of weapons from North Korea to Russia would violate multiple resolutions of the UN Security Council,” warned Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department. The US reserves the right to impose further sanctions.
According to observers, North Korea may possess tens of millions of artillery shells and Soviet-style missiles, which would greatly aid the Russian army in its fight against Ukrainian forces. In return, North Korea could receive much-needed energy and food aid, as well as advanced weapons technology, including intercontinental ballistic missile systems, nuclear-capable submarines, and military reconnaissance satellites. This possibility has raised concerns that such Russian deliveries could increase the threat posed by North Korea’s growing arsenal, which targets the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
After decades of complicated relations, marked by periodic tensions, between Russia and North Korea, the two countries have been moving closer since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin seeks assistance in his war, while Kim wants to end North Korea’s diplomatic isolation and lead it into a united front against Washington. North Korea has repeatedly blamed the US for the war in Ukraine and has referred to the Russian offensive as an act of self-defense.