What Trump might propose to Kim Jong Un during talks – Expert opinion
Photo: Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un (Getty Images)
US President-elect Donald Trump may offer North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to lift sanctions against the country in exchange for reduced cooperation with Russia, stated Oleksandr Kraiev, an expert at the Foreign Policy Council Ukrainian Prism, in a commentary for the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
In his view, Trump will likely start with threats, as he usually does.
"Once again, it will be all about fire and fury. He’ll bring up how Kim Jong Un was once called Little Rocket Man. Trump will provoke him, test the limits to see what Kim reacts to and what he ignores. But what he can really offer is that he can make Kim a handshake again," said Kraiev.
He believes Trump might propose another summit with Kim Jong Un to demonstrate that negotiations are possible. Additionally, Trump could push the idea of partially lifting some restrictions, at least on trade, on North Korea.
"(Trump could - ed.) push this through the UN or via cooperation with European partners: 'We won’t trade with them directly, but let’s at least avoid heavily blocking their trade with others.' Of course, this raises concerns about the role of Russia in this dynamic. But let’s remember that the first discussions between South Korea’s leadership and Trump’s administration revolved around Russian-North Korean relations. They acknowledged the need to prevent any further strengthening of this alliance at all costs," the expert added.
According to Kraiev, Trump might offer North Korea conditions for lifting sanctions in exchange for reducing its ties with Russia.
"Essentially, this would be the same deal offered to China. China does not fully assist Russia and maintains normal relations with the US and the EU. If this tactic worked with Beijing, why wouldn’t it work with North Korea?" the expert noted.
Trump’s plans for talks with Kim Jong Un
Recently, media reports suggested that the team of US President-elect Donald Trump is exploring the possibility of direct negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
According to these reports, Trump's team believes that a new diplomatic push could reduce the risks of armed conflict. Specifically, they are considering a direct approach, building on the existing relationship as the most likely way to break the ice with Kim.
According to sources, political discussions remain fluid, and the president-elect has not yet made any final decisions.
However, it remains unclear what Kim Jong Un could offer Trump in return. North Korea has ignored four years of calls from US President Joe Biden to start negotiations without preconditions. Meanwhile, Pyongyang continues to focus on expanding its missile arsenal and strengthening its ties with Russia.
