Why Kim Jong Un seeks cooperation with Putin and Russia: Expert explains
Photo: Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un ( kremlin.ru)
North Korea used to be dependent on trade relations with China. But Kim Jong Un decided to establish relations with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, stated Oleksandr Kraiev, an expert at the Foreign Policy Council Ukrainian Prism, in a commentary for the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
Kraiev reminded that it was under Kim Jong Un's leadership that North Korea developed its nuclear program. During the reign of his predecessors, China had significant influence over North Korea and made it clear that the country did not need nuclear weapons.
"In fact, Kim Jong Un has never been fully pro-China. Under his leadership, North Korea's missile and nuclear capabilities reached their peak," the expert believes.
According to him, Kim Jong Un understands very well that cooperation with China places his country in a disadvantageous and overly dependent position. This explains the negotiations with Russia and Russia's ambitions to reach 40% in trade relations with North Korea. Previously, North Korea was a subordinate element of China's geopolitical strategy.
"It seems this no longer suits Kim's regime, and it no longer suits him personally. That is why there are contacts with the Russians and Iranians, as well as the missile program. So, we can't say that North Korea is entirely a Chinese story. China is not satisfied with the extent to which the DPRK has relations with Russia now, and we also need to take this into account," said Kraiev.
Russia-North Korea cooperation
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia is strengthening its ties with North Korea, which is supplying ammunition, missiles, and military personnel. Western media have also reported the transfer of long-range artillery systems to Russia.
In June, Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang and signed a strategic partnership agreement with Kim Jong Un, which includes mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either country.
North Korean military personnel stationed in Russia have undergone training at military ranges and participated in combat in the Kursk region.
Against this backdrop, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited South Korea, where he discussed security and cooperation issues with top officials.
Today, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belyusov arrived in North Korea for a visit. He is expected to meet with the military-political leadership of the country.
