North Korea’s Kim vows full support for Russia at a summit with Putin at a Far East spaceport

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During a summit held at Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un expressed his unwavering support for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. The meeting, which extended over four hours, highlighted the convergence of interests between the two nations. Putin is reportedly interested in North Korea’s surplus of aging ammunition and rockets, which could potentially bolster Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.

This meeting signifies a role reversal from the past, particularly during the Korean War of 1950-53 when Moscow provided weapons to support North Korea’s invasion of South Korea. Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Russian spaceport also suggests that he may seek Russian assistance in developing military reconnaissance satellites, crucial for enhancing the capabilities of North Korea’s nuclear-capable missiles.

The summit began with a warm handshake between Putin and Kim, with Putin emphasizing the Soviet Union’s historical support for North Korea. Discussions covered a range of topics, including economic cooperation, humanitarian issues, and the regional situation, likely alluding to the conflict in Ukraine.

Kim’s declaration of support for Russia is seen in the context of Russia’s ongoing conflict with “hegemonic forces” and its defense of sovereignty. North Korea’s significant stockpiles of aging artillery shells and rockets, based on Soviet designs, are speculated to be of interest to Russia.

However, the United States has accused North Korea of supplying arms to Russia, including artillery shells sold to the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Both Russian and North Korean officials have denied these allegations. Such arms transactions would contravene international sanctions that Russia has previously supported.

This meeting underscores Russia’s growing isolation due to sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine. Putin’s primary focus is on achieving success in Ukraine, and any agreement with Kim would likely aim to address immediate military needs while Russia ramps up its longer-term weapons production. In return, North Korea could receive food and missile technology from Russia, potentially serving as a relatively straightforward offering for the Kremlin.

The leaders explored various topics, including their joint interests in space exploration, transportation, agriculture, and humanitarian aid. Regarding military cooperation, Putin stated that Russia is adhering to sanctions prohibiting arms procurement from North Korea.

Notably, North Korea conducted two ballistic missile launches just before the summit, continuing a pattern of provocative weapons testing. The purpose of these launches remains a subject of speculation, possibly intended to showcase North Korea’s defense capabilities to Putin and emphasize Kim’s control over the military, even while abroad.

This meeting holds significant implications for the region and the global geopolitical landscape, as it signifies the alignment of interests between North Korea and Russia amid ongoing international tensions and conflicts.

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More about Geopolitical Summit

• Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin Summit
• Vostochny Cosmodrome
• North Korea and Russia Relations
• International Sanctions
• North Korean Missile Launches
• Geopolitical Implications