North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Expected to Visit Vladivostok, Russia, Fueling Concerns of Increased Weapons Supplies for Ukraine
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia- The anticipation is growing in Vladivostok, Russia, as residents await the possible visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Reports from the New York Times, citing unidentified U.S. officials, suggest that Kim’s visit might lead to an increase in weapons supplies for Russia’s military in Ukraine. However, there has been no official confirmation or statement from either North Korean or Russian state media regarding the visit.
President Vladimir Putin, who is due to speak at an economic forum in Vladivostok this week, has not addressed the matter either. Nevertheless, anonymous sources and Russia’s Interfax news agency suggest that Kim’s visit to Russia’s far east is imminent. South Korean broadcaster YTN reported that Kim appears to have departed for Russia via train.
Vladivostok, located just 130 km (80 miles) from Russia’s border with North Korea, has witnessed a higher police presence than usual. However, unlike his previous visit, there have been no North Korean flags displayed in the city. Local residents expressed their excitement about Kim’s potential visit, highlighting the shared resilience of both countries.
“Both countries bare their teeth to the whole world and can stand for themselves. So, there is something in common,” said a Vladivostok resident. Others speculated that Kim’s visit might be related to the ongoing economic forum attended by President Putin.
The United States has expressed concerns about the potential weapon supply negotiations between North Korea and Russia. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan urged Kim not to provide weapons that could be used in Ukraine. Analysts posit that North Korea’s vast supplies of artillery shells, rockets, and small arms ammunition could aid Russia in replenishing its depleted stocks from the war in Ukraine. In return, Russia might offer grain, oil, and military technology to help North Korea enhance its capabilities.
Tourists visiting Vladivostok weighed in on the situation, with one suggesting that Russia and North Korea might become friends but not with the United States. The United States has accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia, although the delivery has not been confirmed. Both countries have denied these claims while vowing to deepen their defense cooperation.
In July, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang and visited an exhibition showcasing North Korea’s banned ballistic missiles. The visit culminated in Shoigu saluting the missiles as they paraded by, standing beside Kim. While the international community looks on with curiosity and concern, Vladivostok residents believe that Kim’s visit could indicate significant changes in Russia.
“He (Kim Jong Un) is such a cryptic person, so I don’t even know if he will come or not,” said a Vladivostok resident. “But I think he must come – we have some changes going on, so it must be interesting for him what happens in Russia.”
As the anticipation builds, the world awaits confirmation of Kim Jong Un’s visit to Vladivostok and the potential implications on regional security dynamics.
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Source: Reuters