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The senior White House official confirmed that Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, is planning to visit Russia for discussions with President Vladimir Putin regarding weapon sales to Moscow. This move would significantly strengthen military ties between Russia and North Korea, coinciding with Moscow’s efforts to contain a counteroffensive in Ukraine’s southern and eastern regions.
There is growing concern in Washington about the potential expansion of weapon trade between Moscow and Pyongyang, especially during this critical phase of the Ukraine conflict.
Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House’s National Security Council, revealed that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) last month to negotiate the purchase of artillery ammunition. Based on information received, Kim Jong Un anticipates continuous discussions on this matter, including high-level diplomatic engagement in Russia.
Watson emphasized the importance of the DPRK adhering to its public commitments of not supplying or selling arms to Russia, urging them to cease these ongoing negotiations.
The news about Kim’s planned visit coincides with some progress made by Ukrainian forces in their counteroffensive against Russian forces. Both sides are depleting their supplies of munitions due to heavy artillery shelling.
According to John Kirby, Director for Strategic Communications at the NSC, Kim and Putin exchanged letters expressing their commitment to deepen cooperation. Kirby outlined potential deals between the two nations, specifying that Russia would receive substantial quantities and various types of munitions from the DPRK for use in Ukraine. These deals could also involve the provision of raw materials to assist Russia’s defense industry.
The New York Times initially reported the expectation of Kim’s visit to Russia for a meeting with Putin. The North Korean leader planned to use an armored train to travel to Vladivostok, a city on Russia’s east coast, for the meeting.
A new arms agreement between Kim and Putin would elevate North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict and highlight Russia’s challenges in obtaining the necessary weapons through domestic production and a limited group of allies.
If the visit occurs, it may lead to additional sanctions imposed by the US. However, both Moscow and Pyongyang are already operating under strict US sanctions regimes.
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