Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly preparing for a visit to Pyongyang, marking a significant step in Russia's deepening relationship with North Korea.
According to Kyiv Independent, this development was revealed following a meeting between Putin and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Russia last week, as reported by North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, on January 21.
Putin expressed his willingness to visit Pyongyang soon, thanking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his invitation and continued support of Russian military operations in Ukraine.
The exact date for Putin's visit has yet to be established, and reports vary on the timing, with the Korean-language report from KCNA suggesting an imminent visit, while the English report indicates a willingness to visit at an early date.
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow and Pyongyang have notably strengthened their military collaboration.
Russia, facing global isolation due to the war, has sought new allies, with North Korea emerging as a key partner due to its status as a major military hardware producer and similarly isolated nation.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the reciprocal nature of the relationship, indicating that Russia is offering advanced military technology and long-range attack capabilities to North Korea, potentially including ballistic missiles and nuclear technologies. In return, North Korea has allegedly supplied ammunition and missiles to Russia.
The impact of this partnership is already evident in Ukraine, where Russia is reportedly using North Korean ballistic missiles in its military assaults. This growing alliance between Russia and North Korea raises significant concerns for global security and international relations, particularly given the implications for military technology transfer and regional stability.
