📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
The relationship between North Korea and Russia has been a topic of growing interest due to the recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang. In a high-profile visit that showcases their deepening ties, Putin and leader Kim Jong Un are expected to sign important documents during the two-day trip. This visit comes at a time when Moscow is increasingly isolated and seeking friends in the international arena.
Historically, North Korea and Russia have had a complex relationship. The Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 left North Korea without a key benefactor, leading to a widespread famine. However, in 2000, Putin sought to renew ties by visiting Pyongyang to meet Kim’s father, then-leader Kim Jong Il, becoming the first Russian leader to do so. Since then, the two countries have drawn closer, with Russia forgiving most of North Korea’s debt in 2012.
The visit is seen as a victory for Kim, upgrading North Korea’s status internationally and bolstering Kim’s domestic legitimacy. This strategic partnership between the two countries is expected to focus on security issues and cooperation in the military and economic sectors. Satellite images show preparations for a possible major event or parade in Pyongyang, indicating the significance of Putin’s visit.
Experts predict that North Korea will likely push to export more war materials for use in Ukraine in exchange for imports from Russia. The meeting between Putin and Kim comes amid tensions on the Korean peninsula and concerns about North Korea’s weapons testing. The visit signifies a shift in dynamics, as Russia’s reliance on North Korea has increased, leading to the veto of a UN resolution to renew monitoring of North Korea’s sanctions violations. This visit serves as an opportunity for both leaders to strengthen their partnership and assert their positions on the global stage.
