What is the purpose of Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia?
Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia primarily aims to discuss Russia's desire to purchase ammunition and war supplies from North Korea to replenish reserves depleted by its conflict in Ukraine.
Why is this meeting significant?
The meeting highlights deepening cooperation between North Korea and Russia, as both countries are engaged in separate confrontations with the United States. It marks Kim's first foreign visit since North Korea closed its borders in January 2020.
What does Russia want from North Korea?
Russia seeks to obtain ammunition, including artillery shells and rockets, from North Korea to address its urgent war supply needs.
How does Russia plan to acquire these supplies from North Korea?
While it's challenging to transport large volumes due to the limited rail traffic between the two countries, Russia is pursuing these supplies from North Korea despite U.N. resolutions banning arms trade with the isolated nation.
What does Kim Jong Un want in return?
Kim Jong Un is likely seeking aid shipments, particularly food and energy, to address North Korea's economic difficulties exacerbated by pandemic-era border closures.
He also aims to enhance North Korea's prestige on the global stage through this meeting.
What is North Korea's broader diplomatic objective?
North Korea is interested in expanding relations with Moscow to demonstrate that it is overcoming years of isolation.
Face-to-face meetings with world leaders are essential for domestic propaganda and for signaling international importance.
Could military cooperation between North Korea and Russia go further?
Russia and North Korea are considering the possibility of a bilateral military exercise, which would be a significant step in their cooperation.
However, it remains uncertain whether North Korea would engage in such exercises due to its longstanding "juche" philosophy of self-reliance.
How might this cooperation affect regional dynamics?
Any sign of warming relations between North Korea and Russia is likely to concern rivals like the U.S. and South Korea, as it could impact regional security dynamics.
In summary, the meeting between Kim Jong Un and Putin serves various objectives for both North Korea and Russia, from obtaining ammunition to securing aid and enhancing diplomatic prestige.
The extent of their military cooperation and its implications for regional security remain uncertain.
