Kim Jong Un to meet Putin for weapons discussions, reports say.
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un to Meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Weapons Negotiations
Exciting reports on Monday suggest that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is planning to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss weapons negotiations. This rare trip out of North Korea will take place later this month, according to senior administration officials told The Washington Post.
The New York Times reports that Kim will travel from North Korea’s capital of Pyongyang to the Russian port city of Vladivostok, possibly by armored train. This is not the first time the two leaders have met, as they previously had a meeting in the same city in 2019.
What’s at Stake?
During these talks, Putin aims to secure more weapons for the ongoing war in Ukraine, including artillery shells and anti-tank missiles. On the other hand, Kim is seeking access to Russia’s advanced technology on nuclear submarines and satellites, as well as food assistance for his starving country of approximately 26 million people, according to officials cited by The New York Times. Kim may also make additional stops, including at the Vostochny Cosmodrome space launch center and even Moscow.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Pyongyang in July, where Kim showcased his nation’s banned ballistic missiles, set the stage for a potential meeting between the two leaders. This high-profile trip was followed by delegations from North Korea and Russia visiting each other’s countries.
International Concerns and U.S. Response
The United States has intelligence indicating that Kim and Putin have exchanged letters. The National Security Council spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, stated that negotiations were “actively advancing” as Russia seeks munitions from North Korea in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions, according to a CNN report.
The Biden administration has been working to deter weapons negotiations between Russia and North Korea through the use of sanctions. Previous reports of possible arms transactions between the two nations led to denials from both sides.
Meanwhile, the United States has approved over $110 billion in aid to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russian forces who invaded the country over a year and a half ago.
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