The visit will focus on discussions on “security, economy, energy and transportation,” according to an official statement. However, satellite images show preparations in the North Korean capital for a large military parade, which has increased fears that North Koreais involved in Russia’s war of attrition in Ukraine.
Putin heads to Pyongyang with a large delegation that includes Andrey Belousov, his new defense chief, and Sergey Lavrov, the veteran foreign minister, according to Russian officials. During their stay, Putin and Kim Jong-un will discuss a strategic partnership agreement that seeks to strengthen relations between both countries.
Historical military cooperation
North Korea is known for having one of the largest ammunition stores in the world, most of which are compatible with Russian artillery due to the historical military cooperation between both countries during the Cold War. North Korea is believed to have sent missiles to Russia, and “ghost ships” sailing between the two countries’ coasts have been detected with their transmitters turned off, raising fears that they are involved in sanctions-busting activities.
Putin has expressed gratitude for North Korea’s support for Moscow’s special operation in Ukraine and has mentioned the creation of a “commercial and reciprocal payment system” outside the West. The visit also aims to strengthen commercial and military relations between both countries.
Stopover in Far East Russia
Putin has made a stopover in Russia’s Far East before arriving in Pyongyang, demonstrating the importance given to this visit. Putin’s visit to North Korea is a reflection of the Russia’s growing influence in the region and its ability to maintain close relations with countries that are under international sanctions
Tension in the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas
Putin’s visit to North Korea is a reminder of the historic cooperation between both countries, as Putin last visited Pyongyang 24 years ago, when he had just become the Russian president. He was then greeted with pompoms and red carpets. However, on this occasion, the visit takes place in a context of growing tension in the region and concern about the military escalation in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that divides North and South Korea.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that several North Korean soldiers have recently been killed or injured by stepping on mines in the DMZ because Pyongyang is “irrationally” strengthening military security in the area.
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