Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years: What does it signify and why is West worried?

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a rare visit to North Korea this week, marking a significant step in the strengthening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang.

This visit, the first by a Russian leader to North Korea in 24 years, showsthe deepening military ties between the two nations as they seek mutual support against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin confirmed the visit on Monday (June 17). “At the invitation of the chairman of state affairs of the D.P.R.K., Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin will pay a friendly state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on June 18-19,” according to a statement by Kremlin.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The visit comes at a critical juncture.

There are worries that North Korea will provide Russia with munitions to support in Ukraine war while in exchange Russia might offer economic and tech support that could boost North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.

Also Read |EU countries approve landmark nature law after delays

However, western leaders are closely following the developments as arms trade with North Korea will be a breach of multiple UNSC resolutions.

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell expressed apprehension during a phone call with South Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister. He noted that further military cooperation between Russia and North Korea could undermine regional stability.

Also Read |Maryland Governor to remove 175,000 marijuana convictions in historic move

This visit marks a notable moment in the rekindling of Cold War-era ties between the two nations.

However, as the United States is a common enemy, both leaders have drawn closer.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of shipping containers filled with munitions to Russia, reports said quoting US and Russian officials. Moscow too sent economic aid to North Korea.

Watch |China's nuclear arsenal growing faster than any other country

G7 leaders also recently rebuked "in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation" between Russia and North Korea.

Reports quoting experts say that giving Russia weapons for Ukraine war could provide North Korea with valuable data on its munition performance against Western defence systems.

North Korean hackers are reportedly increasingly using Russian cryptocurrency exchanges to launder stolen funds, and there are reports of Russia supplying refined petroleum to North Korea in violation of UN limits.

(With inputs from agencies)