Kim Jong Un Arrives in Russia for Summit with Putin Amid Arms Deal Speculations
September 12, 2023 – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia for a rare summit with President Vladimir Putin, sparking speculations about a potential arms deal between the two leaders. Kim’s arrival in Russia was confirmed by South Korea’s defense ministry, stating that he crossed into Russia early Tuesday aboard his private train.
The United States has expressed concerns about the possibility of North Korea providing weapons or material support to Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon press secretary, stated on Monday, “We remain concerned that North Korea is contemplating providing any type of ammunition or material support to Russia, in support of their war against Ukraine.”
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency announced that its forces had recaptured a strategic group of oil and gas drilling platforms that were seized by Russia in 2015 and used for military purposes. A video posted by the agency showed Ukrainian soldiers removing a radar system from one of the platforms.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Kim’s visit to Russia would include talks between delegations and a formal dinner. The two leaders have become increasingly aligned in their efforts to curb U.S. influence in the region. Kim is expected to meet Putin, who is attending an economic forum in the Russian port city of Vladivostok this week.
Kim’s trip to Russia marks his first known journey outside of North Korea in nearly four years. He was accompanied by his foreign minister and senior military officials, according to North Korea’s official Korea Central News Agency. His luxury train arrived at Russia’s Khasan station after crossing the North Korean border.
In response to the possibility of North Korea arming Russia, the United States has warned of potential new sanctions. State Department Spokesperson Matt Miller stated, “We have aggressively enforced our sanctions against entities that fund Russia’s war effort… we will not hesitate to impose new sanctions if appropriate.”
Tragedy struck near Ukraine’s front line as two volunteer aid workers were killed by Russian shelling. The victims were identified as a 32-year-old Spanish national and a Canadian working for an international aid group. Ukraine’s forces have claimed to have recaptured around 50 percent of the country previously occupied by Russia, according to Miller.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged citizens to remain focused on the war and prepare for the long haul. He emphasized the need to defend the state and not give in to Russia’s hopes of Ukraine giving up. The U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also spoke to the newly appointed Ukrainian Defense Minister to discuss support for Ukraine’s battlefield needs.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed support for Ukraine’s battle against corruption and reiterated her country’s backing for Ukraine’s path toward the European Union. Baerbock’s visit to Kyiv was her fourth since the Russian invasion began last year. The Ukrainian president announced that Ukraine is preparing to strengthen its defense support package from Germany.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has announced budget cuts and staff reductions due to declining aid budgets. Despite the challenges, the ICRC has been actively providing relief items and support to displaced people, healthcare facilities, and water supply restoration in Ukraine.
Amidst the war, Russia has increased its aggression against transgender citizens. Harsh measures, such as dissolving transgender people’s marriages and preventing gender changes in state documents, have been implemented. Putin has framed the invasion of Ukraine as a war against liberal Western values.
The summit between Kim Jong Un and President Putin holds significant implications, particularly with regards to arms deals and their impact on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation as tensions remain high in the region.