During Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin wanted North Korean artillery shells and anti-tank missiles
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly planning a trip to Russia this month to meet with President Vladimir Putin as both nations move closer to a potential arms deal.
According to The New York Times, Kim is scheduled to meet with Putin during their attendance at the Eastern Economic Forum held at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia, from September 10 to 13. This forum aims to encourage international investment in Russia’s Far Eastern region.
Putin is interested in North Korea supplying Russia with artillery shells and antitank missiles. In return, Kim is seeking advanced technology from Russia, particularly for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines. Additionally, he is requesting food aid for his country, which is facing food shortages.
This report follows recent statements from the National Security Council (NSC) indicating that the U.S. The government believes North Korean officials are assisting the Russian military with weapons during their involvement in Ukraine.
NSC coordinator John Kirby announced on Wednesday that “arms negotiations” between these two U.S. adversaries were making active progress. He also mentioned that following these negotiations, there might be further high-level discussions in the coming months. Kirby explained, “Among the potential agreements being discussed, Russia would receive substantial quantities and various types of munitions from North Korea, which the Russian military intends to use in Ukraine.”
According to The Times, during his trip to Russia, Kim Jong Un will also visit Pier 33, where Russia docks its Pacific fleet ships.
The White House issued a statement acknowledging that the United States anticipates “diplomatic engagement at the leadership level” regarding the potential arms deal taking place in Russia.
An NSC spokeswoman conveyed a firm message, stating, “We urge North Korea to halt its arms negotiations with Russia and adhere to the public commitments that Pyongyang has previously made, which prohibit the provision or sale of arms to Russia.”
U.S. Intelligence reports indicate that Russian officials recently visited North Korea, potentially laying the groundwork for high-level discussions regarding the supply of weaponry.
According to officials cited by The Times, in late August, a delegation comprising nearly 20 North Korean officials traveled to Vladivostok and subsequently flew to Moscow, reportedly to make preparations ahead of Kim Jong Un’s upcoming visit.
It’s worth noting that Kim’s regime had previously welcomed Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during his visit to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, in July.
Kim Jong Un has made significant efforts to cultivate a strong relationship with Vladimir Putin, and in turn, Putin has grown closer to the North Korean leader’s regime, primarily as a potential source of military equipment. This alignment has emerged against the backdrop of global sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.