Russian President Putin arrives in North Korea for landmark visit
Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attend a meeting at the Vostochny cosmodrome in the far eastern Amur region, Russia, September 13, 2023. (Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea late Wednesday, marking his first visit to the isolated nation in 24 years. The trip is poised to strengthen defense ties between the two countries, a move closely watched as Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine, further straining relations with the West.
Before his arrival, large banners displaying a smiling image of Putin and the message “We ardently welcome President Putin!” adorned the streets of Pyongyang alongside Russian flags, as shown in images from Russian state media. This visit comes amidst heightened regional security tensions following recent confrontations between North and South Korean troops along their heavily fortified border.
Since North Korea’s inception after World War II, Moscow and Pyongyang have maintained a longstanding alliance, which has deepened in the wake of international isolation faced by Putin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The United States and its allies have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with military equipment, including ballistic missiles allegedly used in the Ukrainian conflict, a charge denied by Pyongyang.
In an article published by Pyongyang’s state media on Tuesday, Putin expressed gratitude to Kim Jong Un’s government for its support during Russia’s “special military operations” in Ukraine. “We highly appreciate that the DPRK (North Korea) is firmly supporting the special military operations of Russia being conducted in Ukraine,” Putin wrote, emphasizing the growing multifaceted partnership between the two nations.
Both Russia and North Korea are under extensive United Nations sanctions; Pyongyang since 2006 due to its prohibited nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. Despite these sanctions, Putin praised North Korea for effectively defending its interests against longstanding U.S. economic pressure and military threats.
North Korea’s state media reported that the visit signals strengthening bilateral ties, a sentiment echoed by Russian and North Korean officials amidst the backdrop of international scrutiny and concern.
The United States expressed apprehension regarding Putin’s visit, citing potential security implications for South Korea and Ukraine. The Korean peninsula remains technically at war since the 1950-53 conflict, with its heavily fortified border serving as a constant reminder of ongoing tensions.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg characterized Putin’s visit as indicative of his reliance on authoritarian alliances, noting North Korea, Iran, and China as key supporters amid Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for increased international solidarity against what he termed a “lonely bromance” between Putin and Kim, advocating for heightened diplomatic efforts and military support for Ukraine.
Putin’s agenda in Pyongyang reportedly includes discussions on enhancing military technology cooperation, despite North Korea’s resource constraints and international sanctions. A strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea is expected to be signed, focusing on areas such as tourism, agriculture, and mining, alongside potential military supplies from Pyongyang to Moscow.
Institute for National Security Strategy reports from Seoul suggest clandestine discussions on energy supply and deployment of North Korean laborers may also be on the table, despite potential violations of existing sanctions.
Putin’s visit to North Korea underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape in East Asia, with implications for regional security and international relations amidst ongoing global tensions.
