By John Ikani
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un is set to make a journey to Russia later this month for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, as revealed by a US official speaking to CBS, a US media outlet affiliated with the BBC.
The primary agenda of the meeting is the potential provision of North Korean weaponry to support Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The exact location of the meeting remains shrouded in uncertainty, with no immediate comments forthcoming from either North Korea or Russia regarding the reported plans.
Sources close to the matter have indicated that Mr. Kim is likely to undertake the journey by means of an armoured train.
The possible summit follows recent statements from the White House indicating that arms negotiations between North Korea and Russia are in a state of active progression.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby disclosed that during a recent visit to North Korea, Russia’s Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, made efforts to persuade Pyongyang to supply artillery ammunition.
During this visit, a display of weaponry, including the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), was presented – marking the first time Mr. Kim had hosted foreign dignitaries since the Covid pandemic began. Subsequently, Mr. Putin and Mr. Kim exchanged letters, expressing their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Kirby further articulated the United States’ position, urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to cease arms negotiations with Russia and uphold the publicly stated commitments not to furnish Russia with arms.
He cautioned that the US stands ready to take action, including the imposition of sanctions, should North Korea proceed with weapons supplies to Russia.
Reports from the New York Times suggest that the potential meeting between Mr. Kim and Mr. Putin may occur in Vladivostok, a city situated on Russia’s eastern coast.
Both Pyongyang and Moscow have previously denied any involvement in the supply of North Korean arms for use in the Ukrainian conflict.
John Everard, a former UK ambassador to North Korea, expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of the visit, citing concerns over Kim Jong Un’s stringent security measures and a possible cancellation due to publicity.
He emphasized North Korea’s awareness of Russia’s urgent need for munitions and anticipated that the price North Korea would demand for such supplies would be exceedingly high.
Everard further noted that North Korea possesses weapon stockpiles in suboptimal conditions.
