Putin and Kim: Friends in need (of ammunition)

There are many similarities between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin.

Neither ventures out significantly. This time, the Kremlin chief hasn’t left Russia. Produce that four times in Kim’s situation.

the North Korea and Russia have both been charged with developing into” scoundrel says.”

Both are subject to severe punishment from abroad.

Both governments complain about the United States'” hegemony.”

A common foe may frequently bring rulers closer together.

The same is true for Putin and Kim. If not in heaven, next definitely in the geo-political realities of 2023, their union has been made.

A romance? Definitely no. The leaders of Russia and the North Korea are less overt in their public displays of affection than former US President Donald Trump, who previously claimed that he and Kim Jong Un” fell in love.”

However, Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin agree that a closer connection might be advantageous.

What does the Kremlin stand to gain from this?

First of all, the North Korea has a sizable defense sector with extensive manufacturing capabilities. Pyongyang could prove to be a crucial source of weapons for Moscow as Russia’s war in Ukraine intensifies.

Washington believes that has already been clicked by the Kremlin. The United States asserts that the North Korea and Russia have been” constantly advancing” in their arms talks, with Russia reportedly looking for supplies of artillery shells and weapons.

No official validation of that from Russia. However, there are many overt indications that Russia and the North Korea want to strengthen defense ties.

Sergei Shoigu attended events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Asian truce in July, making him the first Russian defense minister to travel to the North Korea since the dissolution of Soviet Union. Kim Jong Un served as the tour guide as he led Mr. Shoigu through a display of arms. Joint military activities are reportedly on the horizon, according to the defense secretary.

According to past Russian foreign minister Andrei Kozyrev,” If they are looking for arms in the North Korea, one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world— an isolated nation— that is the greatest shame of Soviet” great power” propaganda.” In a picture phone from the United States, where he now resides, Mr. Kozyrev was speaking to me.

For an alignment or military items, a tremendous power did not travel to the North Korea.

However, a force determined to topple the global order may. Vladimir Putin demonstrated his intention to reshape the world attempt to Russia’s liking by launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Another indication of that might be defense cooperation with the North Korea.

An hands agreement between Pyongyang and Moscow would be a significant change. Up until recently, Russia had firmly supported UN Security Council restrictions against the North Korea due to its nuclear weapons program. These punishment, among other things, forbid the exchange of arms with the North Korea.

Soviet tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets reminded audience last week that” Moscow had put its name to those Security Council proposals.” But it also said:

” Not mind.” It is possible to revoke a name.

Fyodor Lukyanov, the head of the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, was quoted in the report as saying:

” Why are we ] Russia ] abiding by these sanctions? has been the question for a long time now. There is complete chaos throughout the entire foreign relations program.

The UN restrictions are, of course, reasonable. It’s challenging to dispute that. We cast our ballots for them. However, things have changed. Why not change your mind?

To Kim Jong Un’s lips, that would be songs.

What else might Russia be able to offer the North Korea? Humanitarian assistance is virtually definitely needed to help reduce the North Korea’s food shortages. Additionally, there are rumors that Pyongyang has been looking for cutting-edge Russian systems for military applications, such as nuclear-powered ships.

Moscow may need to restock its weapons companies after more than a year and half of fighting that has gone horribly wrong for Russia. It might consider striking a deal with Pyongyang as one means to go about doing that. However, that does not imply that Russia’s war system is about to come to a halt without the assistance of the North Korea.

Former foreign minister Andrei Kozyrev asserts that Putin is not in a desperate situation. He may react and endure this for a very long time. Every moment, he discovers new ways to get around the sanctions, work with China, the North Korea, and some African governments. Potential alternatives do not include that. But for the time being, it is an option. And possibly for many years to appear.