As tensions between North Korea and the United States, as well as its regional allies, continue to mount, marked by ongoing military maneuvers from both sides aimed at preventing further escalation, a significant development has emerged. Washington announced on Monday that Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, is expected to engage in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin with the objective of “advancing arms negotiations.”
The National Security Council’s spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, conveyed this information to the media, underscoring the active progression of arms negotiations between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Watson further revealed that there are indications that Kim Jong Un envisions the continuation of these discussions, including the prospect of high-level diplomatic engagements in Russia.
This revelation comes on the heels of earlier statements from the White House, which suggested that Russia had been involved in clandestine discussions with North Korea, primarily aimed at procuring various munitions and supplies. These supplies potentially play a role in Moscow’s ongoing involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, despite Russia’s previous denials.
John Kirby, another spokesperson from the National Security Council, had previously disclosed that North Korea had provided infantry rockets and missiles to Russia in the preceding year. These arms were intended for use by the privately controlled Wagner military group.
In her statement on Monday, Watson emphatically urged North Korea to halt its arms negotiations with Russia and adhere to the public commitments made by Pyongyang, which explicitly forbid the provision or sale of arms to Russia. Additionally, she noted that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had embarked on a trip to North Korea in the past month, with the primary objective of acquiring further munitions for Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During their meeting, Minister Shoigu emphasized the significance of the relationship between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, citing shared borders and a rich history of cooperation. Notably, this visit marked the first time a senior Russian defense official had visited North Korea since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un hosted a reception and lunch for Minister Shoigu, expressing solidarity with the Russian people and military. Shoigu, in turn, commended the North Korean military as one of the strongest in the world. The two leaders engaged in discussions covering strategic security and defense cooperation, according to reports from KCNA.
In a separate meeting, Minister Shoigu presented a “warm letter” from Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing gratitude to North Korea for its support during Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.
According to sources cited by The New York Times, it is highly likely that Kim Jong Un, who rarely ventures abroad, will make a trip to Vladivostok later this month. Vladivostok, situated on Russia’s Pacific coast near North Korea, is expected to be the backdrop for a meeting between Kim Jong Un and President Putin. This anticipated meeting holds significant implications amidst the backdrop of escalating regional tensions.
