Contrary to speculation, no agreements were inked between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their recent meeting, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
The meeting, which took place on September 13 in Russia's eastern Amur Oblast, lasted for approximately five hours and was initially thought to be focused on an arms sale agreement.
Peskov clarified that the meeting did not result in any signed agreements, neither concerning arms sales nor any other matters. Putin also informed reporters that the discussions were centered around cooperation in missile and space technology.
Peskov reiterated that an arms sale was not the objective of Kim's visit to Russia, stating, "There were no such plans."
Sanctions looming
The United States had warned that it would impose new sanctions on both Russia and North Korea if they entered into an arms deal.
South Korea also indicated on September 15 that it would consider further sanctions against the two nations.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that Putin would need to be cautious in his statements about the Russia-North Korea relationship to avoid triggering additional sanctions.
The meeting between the two leaders has raised questions and concerns, especially given the looming threat of sanctions from both the United States and South Korea.
However, according to official statements, no agreements were reached, and the focus of the talks was on missile and space technology cooperation.
