Kim Jong Un Set to Meet Putin in Anticipation of Potential Weapons Discussions Amid Ukraine Conflict

In a move that has escalated tensions further, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly gearing up to visit Russia to engage in dialogue concerning potential arms negotiations amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The exact location of the anticipated talks remains undisclosed.

Despite the silence from the Kremlin spokesman and North Korea regarding the developing situation, multiple US media outlets have circulated reports about the potential meeting. According to sources cited by the New York Times, Kim is expected to journey to the meeting aboard an armoured train, marking possibly his first foreign travel since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This alarming development follows recent statements from the White House that pointed to the active progression of arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea. John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, revealed that Russia’s Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, initiated discussions about artillery ammunition sales during his recent visit to North Korea.

During the visit, a display of weaponry, including the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile, a significant advancement in North Korea’s arsenal, was presented to Shoigu. The missile is believed to utilize solid fuels, marking a major milestone for the nation. Kirby mentioned that both leaders have mutually expressed intentions to bolster their bilateral cooperation through exchanged letters.

The international community, particularly the US and South Korea, watch with bated breath, anxious about the repercussions of a potential arms deal, which could potentially fuel increased military collaboration between Russia and North Korea in Asia. The US has firmly urged North Korea to refrain from advancing arms deals with Russia, warning that violations would provoke sanctions and further actions.

Moreover, the potential deal sparks fears of an amplified military alliance in Asia, unsettling dynamics and fostering uncertainty over what North Korea might gain from this negotiation. This move could potentially alter the geopolitical landscape significantly. This meeting, set to be their first since their 2019 rendezvous in Vladivostok, underscores the shifting alliances and growing complexities on the world stage.