Kim Jong Un’s Potential Meeting with Putin: A Game-Changing Diplomatic Move
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Eyes Possible Meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin
In a recent development, it appears that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be considering a visit to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin for discussions regarding a potential deal involving the supply of weapons systems to Moscow for its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. This revelation comes from the US government, which has been closely monitoring the situation.
The National Security Council has issued a warning, indicating that negotiations on arms between Russia and North Korea are progressing actively. This follows Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang in July, where he attempted to persuade North Korea to provide artillery ammunition to Moscow.
According to Adrienne Watson, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, “We have information that Kim Jong Un expects these discussions to continue, to include leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia.” However, specific details about when and where such a meeting might occur remain undisclosed.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service is also keeping a close watch on the situation, acknowledging the possibility of Kim Jong Un visiting Russia in the near future. CNN has reached out to the Russian embassy in Washington for their comments on the matter.
Initial reports of the potential meeting between Kim and Putin were first covered by The New York Times, suggesting that it may take place sometime this month. According to the report, the meeting could be held on the campus of a university in the eastern port city of Vladivostok, coinciding with the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled from September 10 to 13.
Kim Jong Un has previously made a trip to Russia in 2019 as the leader of North Korea, opting for an armored green train as his preferred mode of travel.
This potential visit by Kim to Russia comes at a time when the United States has expressed growing concerns about North Korea’s involvement in providing military assistance to Russia’s efforts in the Ukraine conflict—a move that would contravene US sanctions. Just earlier this month, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on three entities believed to be involved in arms deals between North Korea and Russia.
Since Defense Minister Shoigu’s visit in July, a second delegation of Russian officials has visited Pyongyang for further discussions on a potential deal, and Putin and Kim have exchanged letters affirming their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation, as revealed by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
Notably, North Korea had previously delivered infantry rockets and missiles to Russia for use by Wagner forces late last year. The ongoing discussions are focused on providing Russian troops with a more extensive arsenal of weapons.
John Kirby explained, “Under these potential deals, Russia would receive significant quantities and multiple types of munitions from the DPRK, which the Russian military plans to use in Ukraine. These potential deals could also include the provision of raw materials that would assist Russia’s defense industrial base.” He emphasized that the US would take direct action to sanction any entities involved in such a deal and urged Pyongyang to halt the negotiations.
The Biden administration has consistently declassified intelligence related to the support Russia is seeking or receiving to discourage countries from aiding Moscow’s war efforts. In addition to North Korea, Russia has received drones and artillery from Iran. While Chinese state-owned defense companies have provided technology and equipment to Russia, US officials have not observed any signs of China providing weapons or lethal military assistance to Russia.
In a related development, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has stated that Russia is in discussions regarding the possibility of joint military exercises with North Korea. Shoigu emphasized the importance of peaceful relations with neighboring countries, quoting an old Russian saying: “You don’t choose your neighbors, and it’s better to live in peace and harmony with your neighbors.”
Russia has been hosting the annual Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok since 2015, aiming to attract foreign investment to the Russian Far East. China, Russia’s closest diplomatic partner, has frequently sent high-level delegations to the event, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping attending in person in 2018. However, this year’s forum is set to partially overlap with the Group of 20 leaders’ summit in India, and China has indicated that Xi will not attend this summit for the first time since coming to power.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed