Putin’s Visit to North Korea: Strengthening Ties in the Face of International Sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years in order to strengthen ties with its leader, Kim Jong Un. This relationship has played a crucial role in boosting Russia’s military capabilities in its conflict with Ukraine, despite efforts by the US and its allies to isolate both Russia and North Korea.

Putin’s visit to North Korea is seen as a way to show gratitude to Kim for his support in the conflict with Ukraine, beyond the luxurious sedan he gifted him earlier in the year. The invitation for the visit was extended by Kim during their meeting in Russia in September, after which satellite imagery showed a significant increase in arms transfers from North Korea to Russia.

Both countries hold significant stores of munitions and spare parts that are compatible with each other’s weapons, allowing for easy trade across their shared border and through nearby ports. This trade route has provided a strategic advantage for both countries in their respective conflicts.

During his visit, Putin is expected to meet with Kim Jong Un and discuss ways to further strengthen their relationship and enhance their military cooperation. The two countries have increased their trade in commodities and arms, with North Korea providing crucial supplies to Russia such as artillery shells that have been used in the war on Ukraine. In return, North Korea has likely received military aid that has heightened the threat it poses to the US and its allies in East Asia.

This visit is also seen as an opportunity for Putin to gauge Kim Jong Un’s intentions regarding denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and potentially open up new avenues of cooperation between Russia and North Korea on issues beyond just military matters. It remains to be seen what outcomes will come out of this trip but one thing is certain; it will deepen the relationship between these two nations, adding another layer of complexity