Kim Jong Un Hails Strengthening Ties with Russia Amid Reports of Putin's Upcoming Visit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un  praised the expanding relationship between North Korea and Russia on Wednesday, as reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon visit the country for his third meeting with Kim. The two nations have significantly increased their military, economic, and other forms of cooperation since Kim's visit to Russia last September, where he met with Putin.

The U.S., South Korea, and their allies believe that North Korea has been supplying artillery, missiles, and other conventional weapons to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. In return, North Korea is reportedly receiving advanced military technologies and economic aid from Russia. Kim Jong Un has been actively seeking to bolster partnerships with Russia and China to strengthen his regional influence and form a united front against the United States.

During their September meeting at Russia’s main space launch site, Kim invited Putin to visit North Korea at “a convenient time,” and Putin accepted the invitation. On Wednesday, Kim sent Putin a congratulatory message commemorating Russia’s National Day, according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Why It Matters : The deepening ties between North Korea and Russia have significant geopolitical implications. Both countries are locked in separate confrontations with the United States—Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and North Korea over its advancing nuclear program. The collaboration between these two nations could potentially alter the balance of power in the region and complicate international efforts to address their respective conflicts.

The potential visit by Putin to North Korea underscores the strategic importance of their alliance. As Russia faces a shortage of weapons in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, it is likely to seek stronger military ties with North Korea. Conversely, North Korea, which recently failed to put a second spy satellite into orbit, may seek Russian assistance with space technology.

Kim Jong Un's message to Putin highlighted the significance of their meeting at the Vostochney Spaceport in September last year. “Thanks to the significant meeting between us at the Vostochney Spaceport in September last year, (North Korea)-Russia friendly and cooperative relations developed into an unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms,” Kim said in the message.

Media reports indicate that Putin is expected to visit North Korea as early as next week. If realized, it would mark their third summit meeting, following their first summit in Vladivostok in April 2019. Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing unidentified diplomatic sources, reported that Putin is preparing to visit North Korea and Vietnam next week. NHK suggested that Putin would seek stronger military ties with North Korea, while North Korea would likely seek help with space technology.

Earlier this week, Russia’s Vedomosti newspaper carried a similar report. However, neither Russia nor North Korea have confirmed the reports of a planned trip. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated in late May that “the visit is in the pipeline, and we will make an announcement in due time,” according to Russian news agency Tass.

Russia and North Korea have denied allegations of arms transfers, which would violate multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. In March, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik claimed that North Korea had already shipped about 7,000 containers filled with munitions and other military equipment to Russia. In return, North Korea reportedly received more than 9,000 Russian containers likely filled with aid.

Recently, tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated as North Korea launched trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea, prompting the South to resume propaganda broadcasts at border areas. These broadcasts reportedly included K-pop hits, weather forecasts, news on Samsung, and criticism of North Korea's missile program.

The evolving relationship between North Korea and Russia is a critical development in the geopolitical landscape. As both nations face international scrutiny and sanctions, their cooperation could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global security.

Key Takeaways

• Kim Jong Un praises expanding ties with Russia amid reports of Putin's upcoming visit.
• North Korea allegedly supplies weapons to Russia in exchange for military technologies and economic aid.
• Putin's potential visit underscores the strategic importance of the North Korea-Russia alliance.
• Both nations deny allegations of arms transfers, which would violate U.N. resolutions.
• Tensions on the Korean Peninsula rise as North Korea launches trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea.