North Korea’s Potential Arms Deal with Russia
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, is scheduled to meet with Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, in Vladivostok this month. The two leaders will discuss military cooperation, which includes the possibility of North Korea supplying weaponry to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to foreign officials.
In exchange, Putin desires artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, while Kim hopes to acquire advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as food aid from Russia, the officials added.
Although the White House had previously issued a warning about a potential arms deal between Putin and Kim, this new information about their planned meeting goes beyond what was previously known.
Background: In late last month, a delegation of approximately 20 North Korean officials traveled by train from Pyongyang to Vladivostok and subsequently flew to Moscow. This indicates that North Korea is serious about Kim’s visit, which would be a rare occurrence for him.
Context: The United States first warned about potential cooperation between North Korea and Russia a year ago, later stating that North Korea had shipped weapons to Russia through the Middle East and North Africa. However, US officials noted that these disclosures had deterred North Korea, and only a few, if any, North Korean weapons had reached the front lines in Ukraine.
In other news from the war in Ukraine:
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After bilateral talks with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin expressed opposition to the Black Sea grain deal, which Erdogan had brokered.
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Russia conducted a second large-scale drone attack in the past 48 hours, targeting Ukrainian grain and port facilities in the southern Odesa region.
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Following the removal of Ukraine’s defense minister, authorities arrested Ihor Kolomoisky, one of the country’s wealthiest individuals, as part of their campaign against corruption.
Rishi Sunak and the Rise of Divisive Politics
Facing a decline in the polls and numerous challenges such as inflation, economic stagnation, limited public funds, and long wait times in hospitals, the British Conservative Party is resorting to populist issues like climate change, refugees, and crime in preparation for next year’s election.
However, this strategy of exploiting so-called “wedge issues,” including backtracking on commitments to phase out fossil fuels, carries risks. Climate policies have widespread support in Britain, and the party risks alienating swing voters and environmentally conscious supporters in the south, according to experts.
Analysis: “Provoking outrage is part of their strategy,” said Tom Burke, a former government adviser. “By provoking outrage, you reassure your base. This is exactly the strategy pursued by Trump in the United States.”
Related: The British government is facing a crisis regarding crumbling schools after a former government official claimed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during his time in charge of the Treasury, ignored warnings about the deadly risks of lightweight concrete and refused to fund further school reconstructions.
Xi Jinping’s Absence from G20 Summit
China recently announced that its top leader, Xi Jinping, will not attend the G20 summit in New Delhi this weekend. This decision has dealt a blow to India, the host nation, and raised questions about Xi’s international standing and leadership.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Premier Li Qiang would represent China at the event, without providing further explanation. As the leader of China, Xi has never missed a G20 summit since assuming power in 2012. The G20 summit is attended by 19 countries and the European Union.
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