North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia via rail for an anticipated meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
The United States suggests that Moscow is interested in procuring ammunition for the conflict in Ukraine.
In contrast, North Korea is seeking food aid and potentially technology support for its prohibited nuclear and missile programs, as per analysts.
President Putin is currently in Vladivostok, located in Russia’s far east, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the North Korean border. However, the exact meeting location remains unclear, as Kim’s train is reportedly moving northward, away from Vladivostok.
This marks Kim’s first overseas trip in four years, with his last face-to-face meeting with Putin occurring in 2019.
Putin Challenges the U.S.: "If Ukraine is Ready for Talks, Let Them Revoke Zelensky's Ban,"
— Zlatti71 (@djuric_zlatko) September 12, 2023
September 12, 2023
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a bold challenge to the United States, stating that if they believe Ukraine is prepared for negotiations, they should… pic.twitter.com/Nw2qe22YFk
The most recent meeting between the Russian and North Korean leaders occurred in 2019, coinciding with a breakdown in denuclearization talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
During that time, Putin served as an intermediary, providing updates to both China and the Trump administration. Additionally, Russia supported UN sanctions aimed at curtailing North Korea’s weapons programs in 2017.
The geopolitical landscape has evolved significantly since then. Moscow and Pyongyang have grown closer in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, with both nations holding the US responsible for the war.
In July, North Korea extended a warm welcome to Russia’s Defence Minister, Sergey Shoigu, and subsequently, Moscow blocked efforts within the UN Security Council to bolster sanctions against Pyongyang.
Furthermore, the power dynamics in Northeast Asia have shifted as the United States forged an alliance between Japan and South Korea, an alliance that few believed was possible.