Amur, Russia – In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un are currently engaged in discussions at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a remote Russian space facility. This rendezvous is anticipated to encompass negotiations over North Korean weapon provisions for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports suggest that Putin has pledged assistance to North Korea in satellite technology development.
A video clip released by the Russian RIA news agency captured the initial handshake and greetings between the Russian and North Korean leaders on the grounds of the cosmodrome, nestled within the Amur region’s dense forests, not far from the Chinese border.
When questioned about the possibility of discussing weaponry supplies, Putin’s response was succinct: “We will address all issues,” he affirmed. In response to inquiries about Russia’s support in North Korea’s satellite development endeavors, Putin stated, “That’s precisely why we are here. The leader of North Korea has demonstrated a keen interest in rocket engineering, as they are actively pursuing advancements in the space domain.”
Amidst the visit, Kim Jong-un was guided by Putin on a tour of the cosmodrome, which stands as Russia’s most advanced space rocket launch facility.
Russian state media reported Putin expressing his delight at Kim’s presence, while Kim, earlier emphasizing the “strategic importance” of his regime’s association with the Kremlin, expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit Russia, despite his busy schedule—an allusion, perhaps, to Russia’s protracted and tumultuous involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.
Photographs from the event revealed that Kim was accompanied by his influential younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, who has joined him on previous overseas trips.
The two leaders are scheduled to inspect the cosmodrome before convening for substantive discussions. Their interactions thus far have been characterized by animated conversations and shared smiles, evident as they entered a building accompanied by their respective delegations. Notably, their summit coincided with reports of North Korea test-firing two short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast.
Upon his arrival in Russia, Kim Jong-un received a VIP welcome, complete with a military honor guard and the national anthems of both countries. During this reception, Kim underscored the significance of North Korea’s partnership with Russia, characterizing his visit as a clear affirmation of their strategic ties.
Kim’s journey to Russia commenced aboard his private armored train, arriving at Khasan station, the primary rail gateway from North Korea to Russia’s far east. He was greeted by the Russian environment minister, Alexander Kozlov, before proceeding northward.
The selection of the cosmodrome as the meeting venue carries symbolic weight, serving as a backdrop for isolated leaders to cultivate collaboration in military and aerospace domains. North Korea has encountered difficulties in its past space launch endeavors and may be seeking Russia’s assistance in placing its surveillance satellites into orbit.
Western concerns have emerged that Pyongyang intends to provide weaponry to Moscow to compensate for depleted stocks due to its 18-month engagement in the Ukrainian conflict. The scarcity of munitions has compelled Russia to ration its shells and rockets, implement daily fire restrictions, and shift focus toward precision-guided munitions over sheer volume, according to Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Kofman stated, “Russia is ramping up production, but it will fall significantly short of its requirements. Therefore, they are likely to seek imports from any source that can help offset the shortfall.”
Siemon Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, affirmed that North Korea could possess substantial ammunition reserves that might be of utility to Russia. However, he cautioned that confirmation of any such arrangement would only materialize with concrete evidence of North Korean arms and ammunition used in Ukraine’s theater of conflict.
Kim Jong-un might also pursue essential energy and food supplies during these discussions. Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Andrei Rudenko, indicated that humanitarian assistance talks could be on the table, as reported by Russian news agencies.
The White House issued a warning last week, cautioning North Korea against supplying weaponry to Russia for its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Kim has journeyed to Russia in the company of top military officials, including Korean People’s Army Marshal Pak Jong-chon and Munitions Industry Department Director Jo Chun-ryong, underscoring the anticipated emphasis on potential military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, contended that this Putin-Kim summit is likely to center on discussions related to military collaboration between Russia and North Korea.
The United States, on the other hand, characterized Putin’s outreach to Kim as a sign of desperation. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller asserted that Putin’s journey to meet an international pariah to solicit assistance reflected a plea for help.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any existing or forthcoming arms supply from North Korea to Russia, notwithstanding Russia’s considerable depletion of munitions stocks since initiating its Ukrainian offensive in early 2022.
Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Kookmin University in Seoul, suggested that this meeting is part of Moscow’s diplomatic pressure on Seoul, aiming to dissuade South Korea from providing weapons to Kyiv. Seoul, a significant arms exporter, has previously supplied tanks to Ukraine’s ally Poland, but domestic policies prevent the sale of weapons to active conflict zones.
Lankov highlighted Russia’s primary concern, stating, “The Russian government’s major worry now is the potential shipment of South Korean ammunition to Ukraine, not just one shipment, but multiple deliveries.”
With inputs from agencies
