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

30

In a summit held at Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his commitment to offering “full and unconditional support” to Russia’s Vladimir Putin. This high-stakes meeting between the two leaders, who have been increasingly isolated by the West, has raised concerns in the U.S. about the potential for an agreement that could supply ammunition for Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The extended four-hour discussion sheds light on the convergence of their interests. Putin appears to be seeking North Korea’s abundant reserves of aging ammunition and rockets, relics from the Soviet era, which could bolster Russia’s military capabilities. This request signals a reversal of roles from the Korean War era when Moscow supplied weapons to support North Korea’s invasion of South Korea.

The choice of the Vostochny Cosmodrome as the summit location suggests that Kim may be seeking Russian assistance in developing military reconnaissance satellites. These satellites are of paramount importance to enhance the effectiveness of North Korea’s nuclear-capable missiles, especially considering their recent struggles in launching a military spy satellite.

The meeting began with a formal handshake between Putin and Kim, with Putin acknowledging the historical support of the Soviet Union for North Korea during wartime. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including economic cooperation, humanitarian concerns, and the regional situation, with Kim indirectly referencing the situation in Ukraine in his pledge of continued support for Russia’s stance.

North Korea’s sizable stockpile of aging artillery shells and rockets, based on Soviet designs, could potentially provide substantial support to the Russian military in Ukraine, although both countries have denied allegations of arms trading. It’s worth noting that any arms transactions with North Korea would breach international sanctions that Russia has previously endorsed.

During their visit to a Soyuz-2 space rocket launch facility, Kim showed a keen interest in rocket technology, further fueling speculation about potential military collaboration.

Despite this summit’s gravity, it coincided with North Korea’s provocative act of firing two ballistic missiles into the sea, a move seen as a surprise and the first time such a launch occurred while Kim was abroad. This could be interpreted as a demonstration of North Korea’s military capabilities and its determination to maintain control even during overseas trips.

In the wake of the summit, Kim is set to visit other cities in Russia’s Far East, potentially exploring avenues for collaboration in transportation and agriculture. While the summit touched upon various topics, military cooperation remains a sensitive issue, with both leaders suggesting it warrants further discussion.

The timing of North Korea’s missile launches and the summit itself have raised questions about the complex dynamics at play in the region, with Kim and Putin’s strategic objectives in focus. This summit undoubtedly has significant implications for the geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of ongoing international tensions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Geopolitical Summit

More about Geopolitical Summit

• Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin Hold Summit
• U.S. Concerns Over North Korea-Russia Summit
• Vostochny Cosmodrome’s Role in the Summit
• Kim Jong Un’s Missile Launch Prior to Summit
• International Sanctions and Russia-North Korea Relations