Russia: North Korean leader Mr. Kim Jong Un has reportedly arrived in Russia for a meeting with Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin.
The North Korean leader will provide military support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, as per the report.
According to the South Korean defence ministry, Mr. Kim is thought to have crossed into Russia using the opulent armoured train typically used by North Korean leaders.
“We are closely monitoring if there will be negotiation between North Korea and Russia over the arms trade and technology transfer,” the ministry stated noting that Mr. Kim was accompanied by multiple military officers.
The Kremlin confirmed on September 11, 2023, that Mr. Kim was visiting at Mr. Putin’s invitation and that there would be negotiations between delegations from the two countries. It noted that Kim’s visit would happen in “the coming days” and that it could include a one-on-one meeting with Putin “if necessary.”
The White House has consistently cautioned North Korea against engaging in any arms agreements with Russia, as this would breach numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions. Last week, National Security Adviser Mr. Jake Sullivan warned that North Korea would face consequences within the global community if it supplied weapons to Russia.
As Russia faces challenges from a Ukrainian counteroffensive, it has been seeking international support, including from fellow US adversaries like North Korea. US officials and state media in both countries reported last month that Mr. Kim and Mr. Putin exchanged letters, expressing their commitment to enhancing cooperation.
According to experts, Russia is likely to request artillery munitions in return for offering energy and food assistance to North Korea. Reports suggest that North Korea is grappling with food shortages as Mr. Kim focuses on advancing his nuclear weapons and ballistic missile initiatives.
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