North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, made a surprise visit to Russia, where he was shown nuclear-capable bombers and warplanes by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. The visit took place in Vladivostok, a far-eastern port city, where Kim was also briefed on the capabilities and weapons of Russia’s Pacific fleet, including long-range Kalibr cruise missiles. The Russian warships have regularly been used in attacks on Ukrainian targets, raising concerns about the potential implications of Kim’s visit.
Kim’s stop in Vladivostok included a tour of the city’s airport, where he was shown Russia’s latest missile, the hypersonic Kinzhal, carried by the MiG-31 fighter jet. The visit comes amidst reports of declining Russian munition supplies due to the prolonged Ukraine conflict, leading some to speculate that Kim may be seeking to increase arms trade with Moscow in exchange for military aid. The Russian government has denied signing any bilateral military cooperation agreements following the meeting between Kim and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Kim Jong Un
During his visit to the aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Kim expressed admiration for Russia’s rapidly advancing aviation technologies, describing them as “outpacing the outside potential threats.” The plant produces Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets, which Kim reportedly inspected and praised. The visit has been hailed as a major coup by North Korean state media, who have been reporting Kim’s activities in Russia with a day’s delay.
Meanwhile, Putin has reiterated Russia’s commitment to upholding UN sanctions, which prohibit North Korea from exporting or importing any weapons. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the significance of the meeting, saying no agreements on bilateral military cooperation were signed. The visit, however, has raised concerns about the potential implications of increased military cooperation between the two nations, particularly in light of ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in Eastern Europe.
