In a significant geopolitical development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has articulated that Russia’s relations with North Korea have attained an unprecedented “new level.” This proclamation comes at a time when global concern is mounting regarding the deepening military connections between these two nations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Addressing the matter in Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, on Thursday, Lavrov applauded last month’s pivotal summit held in Russia’s far east, where President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un convened. Lavrov described this event as clear evidence of a “qualitatively new, strategic level” of bilateral ties.
Notably, Lavrov extended his gratitude to Pyongyang for its unwavering support of Russia’s involvement in the special military operation in Ukraine. Concurrently, U.S. officials have voiced apprehensions regarding North Korean weaponry being dispatched to bolster Russia’s war effort.
Lavrov’s diplomatic mission to North Korea, which commenced on Wednesday, is anticipated to pave the way for a forthcoming summit between President Putin and Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang. A specific date for this summit is yet to be determined, but the meeting holds the potential for these heavily sanctioned nations to solidify even closer military and economic cooperation.
Lavrov’s visit follows closely on the heels of Kim Jong-un’s journey to Russia, during which he traveled via an armored train to meet with President Putin. This meeting was widely believed to have centered on discussions about the supply of weaponry and Russian assistance for North Korea’s space program.
Just last week, the White House made claims that arms shipments from North Korea to Russia had already commenced, with over 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions delivered in recent weeks. Moscow promptly countered these allegations, asserting that Washington had produced no substantiating evidence.
Intriguingly, Beyond Parallel, a website affiliated with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, released satellite imagery revealing sustained activity around a North Korean port near the Russian border. The images suggested at least six sea crossings between the two nations since late August.
Analysts have surmised that North Korea would have sought a significant quid pro quo for its weaponry, including access to Russian aerospace and military technology. Furthermore, North Korea has made multiple attempts to launch a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit, with a third attempt expected later this month.
Kim Jong-un, during his first international trip since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, declared that relations with Moscow constitute his “number one priority.” He underscored his perception of the war in Ukraine as an endeavor to challenge “hegemonist forces” that aim to undermine Russia’s security.
In response to these developments, the United States and its regional allies, South Korea and Japan, have intensified their military cooperation. On Thursday, the U.S. and South Korean navies joined forces with four other countries, including Canada, to conduct anti-mine exercises off South Korea’s coast. Additionally, a U.S. B-52 bomber, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, touched down at Cheongju airport, situated approximately 100 kilometers south of Seoul.
As diplomatic maneuverings and military postures continue to evolve in the East Asian region, the world watches closely, mindful of the potential ramifications for international stability and security.