North Korea’s Kim visits a Russian university and aquarium as state media highlight military talks

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On the heels of his examination of Russia’s nuclear-capable arsenal and advanced weaponry, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un adopted a more relaxed demeanor on Sunday during his highly scrutinized visit to Russia’s Far East. His itinerary included a visit to a university and a captivating walrus performance at a Russian aquarium.

North Korean state media emphasized the primary focus of Kim’s trip, elucidating his deliberations with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to enhance “strategic and tactical coordination” between their respective military forces. This development has raised Western concerns about the possibility of an arms alliance that could potentially bolster Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing actions in Ukraine.

Kim’s visit to the Far Eastern Federal University on Russky Island was documented by Russia’s RIA Novosti state news agency. Dressed in a formal black suit and accompanied by his top officials, Kim engaged in discussions with Russian counterparts, facilitated by interpreters, as he strolled through the university’s campus. During his visit, Kim met with Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Russia’s Primorye region, which encompasses Vladivostok, along with Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov and the university’s president, Boris Korobets.

Governor Kozhemyako expressed his willingness to explore exchange programs for schoolchildren, allowing them to attend summer camps in each other’s countries. He also informed Kim about North Korean students studying hydropower at the university, highlighting the institution’s commitment to facilitating educational collaboration.

Subsequently, Kim’s itinerary led him to the Primorsky Aquarium, Russia’s largest aquatic facility. There, he enjoyed captivating performances featuring beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and a particularly engaging walrus named “Misha,” as reported by Russian state media.

Kim’s trip, which featured a summit with President Putin, underscores the alignment of their interests in the face of escalating tensions with the West. U.S. and South Korean officials have speculated about the possibility of North Korea supplying munitions to support Russia’s efforts in Ukraine, in exchange for advanced Russian military technology that would advance Kim’s nuclear ambitions.

During his visit to an aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, where Russia manufactures its most potent fighter jets, Kim had the opportunity to inspect Russia’s strategic bombers and other warplanes at an airport near Vladivostok. Notably, these warplanes have been actively employed in the conflict in Ukraine, including the Tu-160, Tu-95, and Tu-22 bombers, which have frequently launched cruise missiles.

During this visit, Defense Minister Shoigu and Lt. Gen. Sergei Kobylash revealed that the Tu-160 had recently been equipped with new cruise missiles boasting a range of over 6,500 kilometers. Furthermore, Kim was introduced to Russia’s latest missile technology, including the hypersonic Kinzhal carried by the MiG-31 fighter jet, which had its inaugural combat use during the Ukrainian conflict.

Kim and Shoigu proceeded to inspect the Admiral Shaposhnikov frigate in Vladivostok, where they received a briefing from Russia’s navy commander, Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov. The frigate is equipped with long-range Kalibr cruise missiles, which have been actively deployed against targets in Ukraine.

Notably, Kim was accompanied by his top military officials throughout these visits, including his defense minister and the leading commanders of his air force and navy. Following a luncheon, Kim and Shoigu engaged in discussions about regional security and exchanged views on enhancing strategic and tactical coordination between their armed forces.

This visit provides valuable insights into Kim’s objectives in Russia, possibly indicating his desire for Russian support in various areas, including space-based reconnaissance assets, missile technologies, and modernization of North Korea’s aging air force. Kim’s recent emphasis on strengthening the country’s navy may also signal aspirations to acquire Russia’s advanced technologies for ballistic missile submarines and nuclear-propelled submarines, potentially leading to joint naval exercises between the two nations.

In a cultural interlude, Kim attended a performance of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty ballet at a local theater, where he received a warm ovation from the audience and expressed his gratitude for the elegant and artistically valuable ballet. Subsequently, Kim concluded his visit and departed the theater.

This comprehensive overview encapsulates the key highlights and developments of Kim Jong Un’s significant visit to Russia’s Far East, shedding light on the strategic considerations and potential collaborations between North Korea and Russia.

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