As North Korean leader Kim Jong Un travels to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, concerns arise regarding North Korea’s aging artillery and rocket stockpiles, which could potentially bolster Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. This meeting highlights the converging interests of both leaders as they face separate confrontations with the United States.
North Korea’s recent missile launches have added to provocations in weapons testing, possibly accelerated due to distractions caused by Putin’s military operations in Ukraine. While South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff did not immediately report the missile flight distance, Japan’s Coast Guard urged vessels to remain vigilant for falling objects.
For Putin, the meeting with Kim presents an opportunity to replenish ammunition depleted during the 18-month-long war in Ukraine. Kim, on the other hand, aims to evade crippling UN sanctions and diplomatic isolation. His objectives likely include securing economic aid and military technology, even though such an arms deal would violate international sanctions that Russia previously supported.
Kim’s journey on his personal train included a stop in Khasan, a Russia-North Korea border station, marked by military honors. He was greeted on a red carpet by regional Governor Oleg Kozhemyako and Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov. Kim emphasized the strategic importance of relations with Moscow and continued his journey, with his final destination undisclosed.
Putin has been participating in an economic forum in Vladivostok, where the two leaders had their previous meeting. Although the Kremlin confirmed their upcoming meeting, the location remained uncertain.
Russian news outlets speculated that Kim might visit the Vostochny spaceport, which Putin is scheduled to visit soon. This launch facility is approximately 900 kilometers northwest of Ussuriysk, a city near where Kim’s train was spotted. Reports also suggested that Kim could visit a plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, which produces Sukhoi fighter jets.
Kim Jong Un’s delegation includes key figures such as Foreign Minister Choe Sun Hui and top military officials, raising questions about their potential discussions with Putin. Certain officials’ presence indicates that North Korea may seek advanced weaponry or technological assistance, although Russia’s willingness to provide such sensitive technology remains unclear.
Apart from weaponry, North Korea may seek energy supplies and food aid from Russia. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko hinted at potential discussions regarding humanitarian aid.
However, international concerns persist about potential arms trading and military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which could violate UN Security Council sanctions. The United States has accused North Korea of providing arms to Russia, including selling artillery shells to the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Both Russian and North Korean officials denied these claims.
Speculation about military cooperation grew after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to North Korea in July. Kim subsequently toured North Korean weapons factories, suggesting an interest in modernizing North Korean weaponry and exploring opportunities for exporting artillery and supplies to Russia.
Source: with agencies