Kim Jong-un’s Russia visit sparks worries over secret deals
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent visit to Russia amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War has triggered US concerns, with allegations of undisclosed agreements between the two nations springing up.
On February 24, 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, under Vladimir Putin’s directive, plunged the world into a crisis that persists to this day. As we mark 593 days since the war began, the conflict has not only strained Russia’s relations with the West but has also wreaked havoc on Ukraine and triggered global economic insecurity.
The world’s response to the war has divided nations into three categories: those defending and supporting Ukraine, those siding with Russia, and those maintaining indifference. Major international organizations, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union, have consistently expressed unwavering support for Ukraine throughout the course of the conflict. They have provided humanitarian aid, imposed sanctions on Russia, and bolstered Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Recent developments involving North Korea have raised significant concerns. The North Korean leader’s visit to Russia has sparked speculation about the nature of the discussions and potential agreements reached between the two nations. The US had previously accused North Korea of providing crucial supplies to Russia, further complicating the situation.
This visit marks Kim’s first trip outside the country in over four years. His extended absence from international diplomacy added an aura of mystery and intrigue to Kim’s recent journey to Russia. His return to the global stage hints at potential shifts in North Korea’s foreign policy and strategic priorities. Observers were keen to discern the objectives and outcomes of this meeting, especially considering the broader geopolitical context of North Korea’s relations with major world powers.
The US government sternly expressed its concerns about North Korea’s involvement with Russia. Officials have warned of potential consequences if North Korea continues to supply resources to Russia, hinting at the possibility of sanctions or other punitive actions. Back in August, the US “imposed sanctions on three entities” that it accused of being “tied to arms deals between North Korea and Russia”.
The current state of the war remains complex and fluid. While there have been periods of intensified fighting followed by ceasefires, a definitive resolution seems elusive. The Ukrainian people continue to endure the consequences of the conflict, including loss of lives, displacement, and severe economic hardship.
The implications of the ties between North Korea and Russia are a matter of significant global concern. North Korea’s involvement in supporting Russia could potentially prolong the conflict by providing the resources and assistance to sustain Russia’s military campaign. This could lead to further instability in the region and the exacerbation of global tensions.
The 593-days-long Russia-Ukraine war has had profound repercussions on international relations, security, and the global economy. North Korea’s involvement with Russia adds a new layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. The world continues to watch closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this ongoing crisis.
Associate News Editor (Volume 50) — Karine is currently completing her bachelor’s degree specializing in Digital Enterprise Management at UTM. She has been involved with The Medium since 2022 as a contributor. She hopes to contribute to society's efforts to provide authentic and factual journalistic media to educate her readers during her time at The Medium. Her goal is to take her interest in ongoing research within the business and technology field and explore ways to share it with others through this platform. In her spare time, she enjoys going on walks, FaceTiming her family, and painting sunsets with her friends. Moreover, she passionately pursues the chase of the Aurora Borealis, seeking to experience and capture the breathtaking beauty of these natural light displays. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.