In a move that underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is poised to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The primary agenda? Discussing the provision of arms to Moscow for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as revealed by the United States.
The White House's National Security Council (NSC) spokeswoman, Adrienne Watson, highlighted the active advancement of "arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK," using North Korea's official acronym. She further disclosed that Kim Jong Un anticipates these discussions to continue, potentially culminating in a high-level diplomatic engagement in Russia.
Last week, the U.S. raised alarms over Russia's covert negotiations with North Korea, aiming to procure a variety of munitions and supplies to bolster Moscow's war efforts. Speculations are rife that Kim might travel to Vladivostok, situated on Russia's Pacific coast and in proximity to North Korea, to convene with Putin. While some sources suggest that Putin is keen on acquiring artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, others hint at the possibility of Kim even journeying to Moscow.
For Kim, the stakes are more than just arms. Reports indicate that he is on the lookout for advanced satellite technology, capabilities for nuclear-powered submarines, and crucially, food aid for North Korea, which continues to grapple with economic challenges.
Seoul's unification ministry, responsible for inter-Korean relations, expressed concerns over the potential arms deal between Pyongyang and Moscow. The ministry emphasized that any cooperation between North Korea and its neighbors should align with international norms and peace.
The U.S. had previously flagged North Korea's supply of infantry rockets and missiles to Russia in 2022, intended for the Wagner military group, a private military company. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to North Korea in July was reportedly to secure additional munitions for the war.
Experts believe that both North Korea and Russia are keen on breaking their diplomatic isolation. Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, opined that as South Korea, the U.S., and Japan strengthen their cooperation, North Korea and Russia feel the need to symbolically showcase their alliance.
However, any arms deal between Russia and North Korea could potentially violate UN Security Council resolutions, which explicitly prohibit arms transactions with Pyongyang. These resolutions have been endorsed by Moscow in the past.
Despite the potential repercussions, some analysts argue that sanctions might have little impact in deterring Russia and North Korea from engaging in arms trade. Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, remarked that both countries, already under numerous Western sanctions, are likely to continue their military cooperation.
The unfolding situation comes at a time when the U.S. has sanctioned entities believed to be facilitating arms deals between North Korea and Russia. The U.S. Treasury Department highlighted Russia's increasing munitions consumption and equipment losses in Ukraine, pushing Moscow to seek support from its limited allies, including North Korea.
As the world watches the evolving dynamics, the anticipated meeting between Kim and Putin could have far-reaching implications, not just for the two nations but for the broader international community.
