Meghna Barik, Pune
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un offered unwavering support to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a meeting on Wednesday, signaling a potentially impactful diplomatic event with global and regional consequences. The discussions covered various areas, including military collaboration and space exploration, amidst ongoing international concerns.
During the meeting, Kim Jong Un backed President Putin, stressing their shared commitment to safeguarding Russia’s security interests, particularly concerning the Ukraine conflict. Kim’s reference to their alliance against imperialism highlighted the central role of the North Korean-Russian relationship.
In response, President Putin warmly welcomed Kim to Russia, expressing his satisfaction with their meeting. Their agenda was diverse, encompassing economic cooperation, humanitarian issues, and a review of the regional situation.
The meeting commenced with a visit to the Soyuz-2 space rocket launch facility, where Kim Jong-un displayed an interest in rocket technology and engaged a Russian space official with inquiries about rockets. This visit underscored North Korea’s growing fascination with space exploration and satellite development.
However, the meeting occurred shortly after North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the sea, continuing a pattern of provocative weapons tests ongoing since early 2022. Kim appeared to exploit global attention on Putin’s Ukraine involvement to advance North Korea’s weapons development.
The exact range of the North Korean missiles remained undisclosed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, but Japan’s Coast Guard, citing Tokyo’s Defense Ministry, suggested the missiles had likely landed, urging vigilance for falling debris.
The meeting location, Vostochny Cosmodrome, also hinted at Kim Jong Un’s interest in securing Russian support for military reconnaissance satellite development, crucial for North Korea’s production of nuclear-capable missiles. Official photos revealed key figures accompanying Kim, linked to spy satellites and nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarines.
President Putin emphasized satellite development’s importance, highlighting North Korea’s interest in rocket technology and space exploration. Regarding military cooperation, Putin stressed their commitment to addressing pertinent issues comprehensively.
Kim’s armored limousine’s arrival from Pyongyang via a specialized armored train followed by a symbolic 40-second handshake with Putin at the launch facility emphasized the meeting’s strategic importance.
Post-tour, substantive talks were scheduled. For Putin, this meeting offered the chance to replenish depleted ammunition stores due to Russia’s 18-month-long Ukraine involvement, potentially aided by North Korea’s aging artillery and rockets. Kim brought Jo Chun Ryong, involved in artillery and missile factory tours, underscoring the importance Pyongyang places on Moscow relations.
Kim sought economic aid and military technology, with discussions including humanitarian aid. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that ensuring adherence to UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea were crucial.
Previous U.S. allegations of North Korea supplying arms to Russia, including to the Wagner mercenary group, were denied. Speculation on military cooperation grew post-Russian Defense Minister Shoigu’s July North Korea visit. Agreements from this meeting could significantly impact North Korean-Russian relations and global geopolitics, with international eyes closely watching.