Topline
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met at a cosmodrome in Russia’s far east on Wednesday, a rare visit and a sign of deepening ties between the two isolated nations that has stoked Western fears Pyongyang may arm Moscow in its war in Ukraine.
Key Facts
Kim toured the facility with Putin and reportedly asked many detailed questions about the rockets on display.
The leaders then held talks—both with ministers and other members of their delegations and one-to-one—that lasted four to five hours and were followed by an official lunch, according to news reports.
Speaking at the cosmodrome, Kim said North Korea will always stand with Russia “in the fight against imperialism” and pledged “full and unconditional support” for its “sacred fight to protect its sovereignty and security,” likely references to Moscow’s animosity with the U.S. and Western countries and its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
North Korea “will always support the decisions of President Putin and the Russian leadership,” Kim said, according to Reuters.
Putin thanked Kim for visiting Russia and told reporters the cosmodrome visit was intentional on account of North Korea’s “great interest in rocket engineering” and desire to “develop space,” suggesting that Moscow could help Pyongyang build satellites.
What To Watch For
Putin told Russian state outlet Ria Novosti that Kim is set to visit two more cities in Russia’s far east, according to the Associated Press. It’s not clear what cities those will be or whether other tours of high tech facilities are to be expected.
Key Background
Kim’s visit marks the leader’s tenth time leaving North Korea and his first foreign visit since the country closed its borders in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Intelligence from U.S. and Western allies suggests an arms deal to supply the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine will be high on the agenda and the visit to a high level cosmodrome will undoubtedly fuel these concerns given the numerous military applications of satellites and rocketry. Both Russia and North Korea have become increasingly isolated on the global stage in recent years on account of the Ukraine invasion and the latter’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. Both Pyongyang and Moscow face heavy sanctions from the international community and the U.S. has warned further sanctions will be applied in the event of an arms deal.
Further Reading
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Arrives In Russia For Putin Summit (Forbes)
Putin Celebrates ‘Friendship’ With Pyongyang As North Korea Deepens Ties With Russia And China (Forbes)
Does North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un always travel by train? (Reuters)