Analyzing the optics of the Kim Jong Un-Putin talks: What can we infer?

"They walked together through the shiny space center with their aides trailing behind them, matching their footsteps," the article begins. It goes on to describe how the two leaders stood together at a launchpad, gazing into the pit where rockets take off into space. Later, they enjoyed a banquet where they raised their glasses and toasted to the alliance between their two pariah states. The article emphasizes the flashy optics of Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin's meeting in Russia's far east. It notes that Kim will be spending several days touring military facilities before returning home. Leading up to the meeting, there was great anticipation as Kim traveled on his armored train across the border, keeping the world guessing about the purpose of his visit. Furthermore, the article mentions the White House's warning about the possibility of North Korea selling arms to Russia, causing alarm. Upon Kim's arrival at the space base, Putin had already sent a welcome party to greet him. A red-carpeted staircase was erected mid-air for the North Korean leader to step out of his train. Putin was waiting at the center when Kim arrived in his limousine, and they shook hands in front of the flashing cameras. The article highlights Kim's penchant for spectacle and ceremony. It explains that it is important for him to engage in one-to-one meetings with leaders of other countries to portray North Korea as a significant global player, despite the strict sanctions imposed on the nation. There is speculation that the meeting could lead to an arms supply deal between North Korea and Russia, but no public details were revealed. The article suggests that the meeting may not have resulted in concrete agreements or gains for either party. It points out that no information was given regarding the feared arms supply deal, as well as potential food aid, economic assistance, and military or technology support for North Korea. However, Putin hinted at the possibility of helping with Kim's space and satellite goals, which could potentially benefit both sides. The choice of venue, one of Russia's advanced space ports, carries significant symbolism. The meeting there allowed Putin to offer space assistance without violating UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit support for North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. It also demonstrates a challenge to the international community's efforts to enforce sanctions on Pyongyang. Some analysts view this move as a way to unsettle the West and South Korea, which have imposed sanctions and cut ties with Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine. They suggest that Putin may be leveraging the summit to discourage South Korea from providing weapons to Ukraine while implying the possibility of supplying military technology to North Korea instead. However, there are doubts about Russia's willingness to share its space technology or view North Korea's arms as anything more than a convenient backup supply. The article notes the lack of significant economic activity between the two countries, with North Korea relying heavily on China for trade. It questions whether this summit will yield more concrete results than the previous meeting between the two leaders in 2019. It concludes by highlighting the significance of Kim's rare trip abroad, particularly as his reclusive state begins to re-open after the pandemic. Putin ensured that Kim was treated lavishly, showing respect and elevating the perception of their relationship. However, the article emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing their actions rather than their words, as both leaders are skilled in deception.