North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, expressing his “full and unconditional support” for Russia. The leaders held a summit at Russia’s spaceport in the Far East, where they discussed potential economic cooperation, humanitarian issues, and the “situation in the region.” The meeting, which lasted over four hours, suggests a growing alignment of interests between the two countries, with Putin seeking North Korea’s stockpiles of aging ammunition and rockets for Soviet-era weapons. This marks a role reversal from the past, when Russia supported North Korea with weapons during the Korean War.
Kim invited Putin to visit North Korea, and Putin accepted, reaffirming the friendship between the two nations. The meeting took place at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia’s important launch center on its own soil, indicating that Kim may be seeking Russian assistance in developing military reconnaissance satellites. North Korea has struggled to successfully launch its own military spy satellite, and Kim has identified space-based reconnaissance capabilities as essential for enhancing the threat of his nuclear-capable missiles.
While both countries deny allegations of arms trading, speculation suggests that North Korea could provide Russia with artillery shells and rockets based on Soviet designs, bolstering Russian forces in Ukraine. However, such cooperation would violate international sanctions that Russia has previously supported. The potential deal could result in further isolation for Russia, which has faced increasing sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting between Kim and Putin also comes in the midst of North Korea’s continued weapons testing. Just hours before the summit, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles toward the sea, extending its highly provocative run of testing since 2022. Analysts suggest that Kim used the distraction caused by the war in Ukraine to accelerate his weapons development.
The summit was followed by an official lunch, during which the leaders deepened their “strategic and tactical cooperation.” Kim expressed keen interest in rocket technology, indicating his desire to develop North Korea’s space capabilities. Further details of the summit’s outcome remain undisclosed.
The United States expressed concerns about the potential deal between Russia and North Korea, emphasizing that it would violate existing sanctions. If such a deal occurs, the U.S. would seek to identify the individuals and financial mechanisms involved to limit their effectiveness. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also emphasized the need for any cooperation with North Korea to respect the sanctions regime imposed by the Security Council.
Overall, the meeting between Kim and Putin underscores the evolving dynamics in the region, with North Korea seeking support while Russia faces increasing isolation. The potential deal between the two countries raises concerns about international sanctions and the escalation of tensions in the region.