International news continues to surprise us with the visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Russia. Two days after his meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un continued his trip by going to the city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, in the Russian Far East, to visit an aircraft factory.
This visit is of strategic importance, because it raises many questions about the intentions of the two countries in terms of armaments. While North Korea is subject to international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs, Russia is suspected of purchasing weapons from Pyongyang to support its military engagement in Ukraine.
No one knows precisely what was discussed during the meeting between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, nor if there were any agreements to supply military equipment between the two countries. However, the North Korean leader’s visit to an aircraft factory is particularly interesting. In particular, he visited the Yuri Gagarin factory of the Sukhoi manufacturer, where Su-35 and Su-57 combat aircraft are produced.
The visit raises questions about potential military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The United States has expressed concern over the matter, saying Russia may seek to acquire North Korean munitions to support its involvement in Ukraine. The symbolic gifts exchanged between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, notably a rifle, reinforce the idea of a rapprochement between the two countries in the military domain.
However, it is important to emphasize that any arms exports from North Korea would be a direct violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. International pressure is strong to deter any arms trade with North Korea in order to maintain peace and stability in the region.
It is also possible that this visit will have economic implications. Russia could consider providing North Korea with oil, food or even space technology in exchange for military cooperation. Building satellites and sending a North Korean cosmonaut into space have been discussed as possibilities for cooperation.
In summary, Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia raises many questions about the intentions of the two countries in terms of armaments and military cooperation. The United States remains vigilant against any arms export attempts by North Korea, while Russia may be seeking to strengthen economic relations with North Korea. The affair should be followed closely, as it could have a significant impact on the current geopolitical situation.