Putin Praises North Korea’s Support, Plans Closer Cooperation to Counter U.S.-Led Sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to North Korea for its support in the Ukraine conflict and announced plans for closer cooperation to counter U.S.-led sanctions. His comments were published in North Korean state media as he headed to Pyongyang for a summit with Kim Jong Un on Tuesday.
In an op-ed, Putin highlighted North Korea’s unwavering support for his invasion of Ukraine and emphasized that Russia and North Korea will “resolutely oppose” Western efforts to hinder a multipolar world order. He also mentioned plans to develop new trade and payment systems independent of Western control and to jointly oppose what he termed “unilateral and illegal restrictive measures.”
Putin’s visit to North Korea, his first in 24 years, aims to deepen ties amidst escalating confrontations with Washington. The visit comes amid concerns over an arms arrangement where North Korea might supply Russia with munitions for the Ukraine war in exchange for economic aid and technology.
Both countries face heavy sanctions: North Korea for its nuclear weapons and missile programs, and Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. Despite accusations from the U.S. and South Korea of North Korea supplying weapons to Russia, both Moscow and Pyongyang deny these claims.
The strengthening of the Russia-North Korea relationship follows Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia’s Far East last September. Russia, along with China, has provided political support for North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, blocking U.S.-led efforts to impose new U.N. sanctions.
Putin’s visit also includes a stop in Vietnam on Wednesday and Thursday, focusing on trade discussions. The U.S. criticized the visit, urging countries not to support Putin’s war efforts.
John Kirby of the U.S. National Security Council expressed concern over the deepening Moscow-Pyongyang relationship, highlighting potential repercussions on the Korean Peninsula’s security. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry reiterated the need for Russia-North Korea cooperation to align with U.N. resolutions and regional peace.
Tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula, with increased weapons tests by North Korea and intensified military exercises by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. Recent incidents include North Korean soldiers crossing into South Korean territory, prompting warning shots from South Korean soldiers.
Putin’s efforts to rebuild ties with North Korea are part of a broader strategy to restore Russia’s influence and revive Soviet-era alliances, which weakened after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991.
