Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a ‘Friendly’ Visit to North Korea after 24 Years

Russian President Putin’s visit to the world’s most reclusive country comes in the midst of Russia facing global isolation following the launching of a full-scale attack on Ukraine, prompting a war that still continues. According to the statement by the Kremlin, the President will visit North Korea on the 18th of June for a ‘friendly’ exchange. This is Putin’s second trip to the country and his first one in 24 years.

Russia – North Korea Relations

The ties between the two countries are characterized by historical alignments, pragmatic cooperation and mutual strategic interests. They share a land border and have historical connections since the USSR helped in the formation of the tiny state following the Korean War. Since the disintegration of the USSR, Russia is one of the few countries that have maintained diplomatic ties with North Korea. Putin first visited North Korea in 2000 shortly after becoming President to meet Kim Jong Il, the current dictator Kim Jong Un’s father. This trip after 24 years will be his second visit to the isolated kingdom.

There have been numerous allegations by western countries that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia, forming its ammunition base to continue its war against Ukraine amidst increased international restrictions. In return, Russia is said to have provided North Korea with technical help for its satellite program and sent food aid to its majorly malnourished population. These allegations, if proved, will be in violation of the UN sanctions on North Korea.

Significance of Putin’s Visit

Putin has limited his trips abroad since the beginning of the Ukraine war but has made some visits to Moscow’s key allies including China. Pyongyang also rarely hosts guests having isolated itself from the rest of the world, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit marks an exception for both the countries. Mr Kim visited Russia in September last year, wishing the Russian President “victory” in the Russia Ukraine war. The Kremlin promised to visit North Korea in turn and a host of Russian officials have since visited North Korea to prepare for the visit. Both Russia and North Korea however, have denied Pyongyang’s weapons being used for the war in Ukraine.

American Intelligence on Weapon Exchange

According to a report by the Defense Intelligence Agency, comparison of available images of missile debris recovered in Kharkiv after the 2nd January attack closely resemble missile images depicted in North Korea state media pages. According to agencies, Moscow has been allegedly supplied with many ballistic missiles and at least three million artillery rounds in order to continue Russia’s offensive in Ukraine. This report has further fed allegations of weapon exchange between the two countries. Reacting to the same, Kim Yo Jon, Mr Kim’s sister accused western media of “misleading public opinion” on the highly publicized relationship of comrades-in-arms .