North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, made a surprise visit to a fighter jet factory in the Russian Far East during his multiday tour of Russia. While President Vladimir V. Putin has not promised Kim any military technology due to U.N. sanctions, the tour showcases the growing danger of Putin’s warm relationship with authoritarian leaders, who can pose problems for the West. This has serious implications for U.S. national security, as Russia’s isolation drives it closer to Iran and North Korea, who are Washington’s adversaries. The desperation of Russia also makes it more willing to provide technology and armaments to these countries, bolstering their capabilities and emboldening them further. This shift in Moscow’s alliances and cooperation on disarmament efforts raises questions about international negotiations and the potential dangers that may arise from them. While Russia claims to abide by U.N. sanctions, the tour schedule and Kim’s expressed admiration for Russia’s aviation technology hint at the potential for military cooperation. The tour highlights Kim’s aspirations to modernize North Korea’s air force, which currently relies on old Soviet models provided during the Korean War. Accompanied by senior officials, Kim has also visited the Vostochny Cosmodrome and is going to Vladivostok to see the Pacific Fleet, including modernized submarines. With Moscow denying any agreements with Pyongyang, its increasing reliance on China may affect its plans to help North Korea in a way that could anger Beijing. Putin reiterates that Russia will not violate U.N. sanctions but will explore opportunities to develop Russian-North Korean relations.
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