Vladimir Putin Open to the Idea of Collaborating Militarily with North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin in what was seen as a highly scrutinized visit with the expectation of an arms deal. After their talks at the Vostochny space center, Kim began his journey back to North Korea on his private armored train. During their meeting, Putin mentioned the possibilities of military cooperation, including assisting Pyongyang in developing satellites. Both sides denied the US claim that the talks were aimed at purchasing weapons to support Russia's war in Ukraine. It is believed that Kim also asked for food aid in exchange for advanced space technology. The meeting between the two sanctioned regimes took place at a time when their relations with the West are at an all-time low. The visit was warmly received, with Putin personally escorting Kim around the Vostochny space center. Referring to historical ties between the Soviet Union and North Korea, Putin welcomed Kim with the Russian proverb "an old friend is better than two new ones." Kim expressed support for Putin's actions in Ukraine, stating that Russia was fighting against the hegemonic forces of the West. The US State Department reiterated that any transfer of arms between Russia and North Korea would violate UN Security Council resolutions. The Kremlin responded by saying that the interests of Russia and North Korea were more important to them than warnings from Washington. Putin acknowledged the limitations of military cooperation due to the UN resolutions. This meeting marked Kim's first trip abroad since 2019, and it coincided with North Korea's firing of two short-range missiles into the sea off its east coast. Experts speculate that Russia is interested in North Korean arms due to their compatibility with Russian weapon systems. However, analysts believe that these arms would only provide a short-term boost to Russia's war effort in Ukraine. North Korea, which has struggled under sanctions, has been hit hard by border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to seeking food aid, Pyongyang may request advanced submarine and ballistic technology from Russia. However, there are doubts about whether Russia would agree to such requests. The meeting between Kim and Putin raises questions about the effectiveness of heavy sanctions on Russia and North Korea. Some believe that the meeting shows that international sanctions have created a "firewall," allowing the two countries to conduct business without fear of further punishment. However, there are risks for North Korea if any evidence emerges that its weapons were used by Russia in Ukraine, as it could result in additional sanctions and turning the entire NATO alliance against North Korea.