Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday, marking his first visit to the country in 24 years. The visit underscores Moscow’s growing alliance with the nuclear-armed state amidst international tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un extended the invitation to Putin during a visit to Russia’s Far East last September. Presidnet Putin’s last visit to Pyongyang was in July 2000.
In Washington, the White House expressed concern over the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea. The US State Department raised alarms about potential arms deals between the two countries, linking it to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
According to Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, Russia and North Korea are expected to discuss and potentially sign a partnership agreement during the visit, focusing on security issues. He emphasized that this agreement would not target any specific country but aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors including international politics, economics, and security.
Accompanying President Putin on this visit will be key Russian officials including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Following his visit to North Korea, Vladimir Putin will proceed to Vietnam on June 19-20, as announced by the Kremlin. These visits, although anticipated, had not been previously scheduled.
The US has voiced concern over North Korea allegedly supplying weapons to Russia to support its operations in Ukraine, a claim denied by both Pyongyang and Moscow. Despite international scrutiny, Russia maintains its stance on cooperating with North Korea as it sees fit, rejecting external interference.
The UN Security Council, where Russia holds veto power, has imposed sanctions on North Korea since its first nuclear test in 2006. Russia’s recent actions at the UN regarding sanctions enforcement have drawn criticism from South Korea and other countries.
Experts suggest that Russia’s outreach to North Korea is part of its broader strategy to counter US influence globally. The relationship benefits North Korea by gaining support at the UN and tangible economic and military cooperation, which has been limited since the 1990s.
President Putin’s visit to Pyongyang is seen as a strategic move amidst Russia’s geopolitical challenges, aiming to strengthen ties with North Korea while navigating international sanctions and scrutiny.
