Putin's North Korea Visit: A New Axis of Defiance Against the West

[Social Media]

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea on Tuesday, marking his second trip to the reclusive nation. This visit comes after months of speculation and follows an invitation extended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who had traveled to Russia’s Far East last year. The Kremlin has confirmed the trip, signaling a significant moment in the evolving relationship between the two countries. This visit is being framed as a "friendly state visit," with reports suggesting that Putin and Kim may sign a partnership agreement covering various issues, including security.

 

Putin’s upcoming visit to North Korea has garnered global attention for its potential implications for the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical dynamics. It is his second time visiting North Korea, the first being in 2000 when Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong-Il, was in power. This trip comes at a time when Russia and North Korea are among the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world. Russia faces sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine, while North Korea is sanctioned for its nuclear weapons program. This shared status has fostered a mutual disdain for Western sanctions and created a foundation for closer cooperation.

 

Political scientist and Putin ally Sergei Markov suggests that Russia is likely seeking ammunition, construction workers, and even volunteers to support its efforts in Ukraine. In exchange, North Korea could receive Russian produce and technological assistance for its military programs, including its long-range missile program. This partnership would not only bolster Russia's war efforts but also advance North Korea's military ambitions. Recent reports indicate that North Korea has already shipped nearly five million artillery shells to Russia. This military cooperation is seen as a way for both nations to circumvent the economic and political isolation imposed by Western sanctions.

 

The visit also serves a broader diplomatic purpose. By forging closer ties with North Korea, Putin is signaling his ability to circumvent Western pressure and sanctions. This defiant stance is part of a larger strategy to challenge the West's dominance and to build alliances with nations that share a similar anti-Western sentiment. Putin's outreach extends beyond North Korea. At a recent economic forum in St. Petersburg, one of Putin's key guests was the president of Zimbabwe, another country facing significant Western sanctions. This is part of a concerted effort to promote a "multipolar world" and to rally support against what Putin perceives as an arrogant West bent on maintaining global hegemony.

 

Russia has also strengthened ties with Iran, another heavily sanctioned country. Tehran has been supplying Russia with drones, further enhancing Russia’s military capabilities and demonstrating the benefits of these new alliances. North Korea, under Kim Jong Un, has also shown interest in deepening ties with Russia. Kim has referred to North Korea as an "invincible comrade-in-arms" with Russia. This relationship, though partly born out of necessity, also reflects a strategic alignment against shared adversaries.

 

One symbolic aspect of the visit is the Kerch Bridge, which links mainland Russia to Crimea. For Putin, this bridge is a significant achievement, symbolizing Crimea's "return" to Russia. Ukraine has targeted this bridge twice since Russia's invasion but has not succeeded in destroying it. Putin's visit to North Korea and the strengthening of this alliance can be seen as part of his broader strategy to demonstrate resilience and defiance in the face of Western opposition. While the visit underscores Russia's pivot towards the East, it may not be universally welcomed within Russia. The cultural and historical ties between Russia and Europe are strong, and many ordinary Russians may not support closer ties with North Korea, a country known for its isolation and oppressive regime. This domestic unease is a potential risk for Putin, who must balance these international maneuvers with domestic sentiment.

 

Internationally, the visit is likely to draw strong reactions from Western powers. The deepening of ties between two of the world’s most sanctioned nations will be closely monitored, and any agreements reached during the visit could have significant implications for global security dynamics. As Putin prepares to travel to North Korea, the world watches with anticipation. The visit is a clear demonstration of Putin's defiance against Western sanctions and his determination to forge new alliances. It highlights Russia's shift away from traditional Western partnerships towards a new, albeit controversial, set of allies.

 

In the end, the specifics of any agreements between Putin and Kim Jong Un may remain undisclosed. However, the symbolism of the visit and the images of the two leaders together will send a powerful message to the world: Putin is willing and able to pursue his strategic goals, irrespective of Western opposition. This visit to one of the world’s most isolated countries underscores his resolve to challenge the established global order and to seek out new partners in his bid to reshape Russia's geopolitical landscape.

 

 

Credit: BBC 2024-06-19

 

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[Tug]

That’s not a strong optic for putin in my opinion begging for weapons from the likes of N Korea is not a sign of strength,more like desperation on Putin’s part 

[rudi49jr]

9 hours ago, Tug said:

That’s not a strong optic for putin in my opinion begging for weapons from the likes of N Korea is not a sign of strength,more like desperation on Putin’s part 

But the thing is that Kim is more than willing to give Putin whatever he wants in terms of weaponry. Apparently North Korea has huge stockpiles of ammunition and such, which is just what Putin needs. 

[harryviking]

The new axis of evil....

[Hakuna Matata]

 

[0ffshore360]

29 minutes ago, harryviking said:

The new axis of evil....

Whats new?

[Hakuna Matata]

 

[riclag]

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

Russia has also strengthened ties with Iran, another heavily sanctioned country. Tehran has been supplying Russia with drones, further enhancing Russia’s military capabilities and demonstrating the benefits of these new alliances. North Korea, under Kim Jong Un, has also shown interest in deepening ties with Russia. Kim has referred to North Korea as an "invincible comrade-in-arms" with Russia. This relationship, though partly born out of necessity, also reflects a strategic alignment against shared adversaries

Iran is sitting large ,Money from all angles ! 
One might even say they are a biden proxy!

methinks

 

“Additionally, the waiver granted Iran limited access to approximately $10 billion in Iraqi payments held in escrow accounts, ostensibly for purchasing "humanitarian goods" without facing US sanctions”.

 

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202403113522#

[charleskerins]

two murdering dictators   oh how defiant

[newbee2022]

17 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea on Tuesday, marking his second trip to the reclusive nation. This visit comes after months of speculation and follows an invitation extended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who had traveled to Russia’s Far East last year. The Kremlin has confirmed the trip, signaling a significant moment in the evolving relationship between the two countries. This visit is being framed as a "friendly state visit," with reports suggesting that Putin and Kim may sign a partnership agreement covering various issues, including security.

 

Putin’s upcoming visit to North Korea has garnered global attention for its potential implications for the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical dynamics. It is his second time visiting North Korea, the first being in 2000 when Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong-Il, was in power. This trip comes at a time when Russia and North Korea are among the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world. Russia faces sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine, while North Korea is sanctioned for its nuclear weapons program. This shared status has fostered a mutual disdain for Western sanctions and created a foundation for closer cooperation.

 

Political scientist and Putin ally Sergei Markov suggests that Russia is likely seeking ammunition, construction workers, and even volunteers to support its efforts in Ukraine. In exchange, North Korea could receive Russian produce and technological assistance for its military programs, including its long-range missile program. This partnership would not only bolster Russia's war efforts but also advance North Korea's military ambitions. Recent reports indicate that North Korea has already shipped nearly five million artillery shells to Russia. This military cooperation is seen as a way for both nations to circumvent the economic and political isolation imposed by Western sanctions.

 

The visit also serves a broader diplomatic purpose. By forging closer ties with North Korea, Putin is signaling his ability to circumvent Western pressure and sanctions. This defiant stance is part of a larger strategy to challenge the West's dominance and to build alliances with nations that share a similar anti-Western sentiment. Putin's outreach extends beyond North Korea. At a recent economic forum in St. Petersburg, one of Putin's key guests was the president of Zimbabwe, another country facing significant Western sanctions. This is part of a concerted effort to promote a "multipolar world" and to rally support against what Putin perceives as an arrogant West bent on maintaining global hegemony.

 

Russia has also strengthened ties with Iran, another heavily sanctioned country. Tehran has been supplying Russia with drones, further enhancing Russia’s military capabilities and demonstrating the benefits of these new alliances. North Korea, under Kim Jong Un, has also shown interest in deepening ties with Russia. Kim has referred to North Korea as an "invincible comrade-in-arms" with Russia. This relationship, though partly born out of necessity, also reflects a strategic alignment against shared adversaries.

 

One symbolic aspect of the visit is the Kerch Bridge, which links mainland Russia to Crimea. For Putin, this bridge is a significant achievement, symbolizing Crimea's "return" to Russia. Ukraine has targeted this bridge twice since Russia's invasion but has not succeeded in destroying it. Putin's visit to North Korea and the strengthening of this alliance can be seen as part of his broader strategy to demonstrate resilience and defiance in the face of Western opposition. While the visit underscores Russia's pivot towards the East, it may not be universally welcomed within Russia. The cultural and historical ties between Russia and Europe are strong, and many ordinary Russians may not support closer ties with North Korea, a country known for its isolation and oppressive regime. This domestic unease is a potential risk for Putin, who must balance these international maneuvers with domestic sentiment.

 

Internationally, the visit is likely to draw strong reactions from Western powers. The deepening of ties between two of the world’s most sanctioned nations will be closely monitored, and any agreements reached during the visit could have significant implications for global security dynamics. As Putin prepares to travel to North Korea, the world watches with anticipation. The visit is a clear demonstration of Putin's defiance against Western sanctions and his determination to forge new alliances. It highlights Russia's shift away from traditional Western partnerships towards a new, albeit controversial, set of allies.

 

In the end, the specifics of any agreements between Putin and Kim Jong Un may remain undisclosed. However, the symbolism of the visit and the images of the two leaders together will send a powerful message to the world: Putin is willing and able to pursue his strategic goals, irrespective of Western opposition. This visit to one of the world’s most isolated countries underscores his resolve to challenge the established global order and to seek out new partners in his bid to reshape Russia's geopolitical landscape.

 

 

Credit: BBC 2024-06-19

 

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Well, all result of stupid Western politics lead by the drowning hegemon.🙏

[Gweiloman]

12 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Well, all result of stupid Western politics lead by the drowning hegemon.🙏

One term in the above article kept jumping out. Heavily sanctioned countries. Common denominator? That Great Satan. That is the major cause of world instability.

[Chomper Higgot]

17 hours ago, riclag said:

Iran is sitting large ,Money from all angles ! 
One might even say they are a biden proxy!

methinks

 

“Additionally, the waiver granted Iran limited access to approximately $10 billion in Iraqi payments held in escrow accounts, ostensibly for purchasing "humanitarian goods" without facing US sanctions”.

 

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202403113522#

Never far from some off in the bushes conspiracy.

 

Oh that money, it was Iran’s money.

[Tug]

12 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Well, all result of stupid Western politics lead by the drowning hegemon.🙏

Naaa it’s the missiles into high rise apartment buildings emptying the prisons arming the inmates and sending them to loot and rape your neighbor because you Covet his land…..that’s the reason .we have seen it done before within living memory.what I find interesting is watching Zelensky being revived like a hero in the civilized world whereas we see Putin creeping down to the most backward repressive murderous nation on the planet to beg for weapons for his criminal war.ugly indeed!

[Gweiloman]

2 minutes ago, Tug said:

Naaa it’s the missiles into high rise apartment buildings emptying the prisons arming the inmates and sending them to loot and rape your neighbor because you Covet his land…..that’s the reason .we have seen it done before within living memory.what I find interesting is watching Zelensky being revived like a hero in the civilized world whereas we see Putin creeping down to the most backward repressive murderous nation on the planet to beg for weapons for his criminal war.ugly indeed!

And that’s exactly the kind of arrogance that is turning the global majority against the west. Borell’s garden and jungle mentality is strong with some of you.

[Fortean1]

On 6/19/2024 at 2:32 PM, rudi49jr said:

But the thing is that Kim is more than willing to give Putin whatever he wants in terms of weaponry. Apparently North Korea has huge stockpiles of ammunition and such, which is just what Putin needs. 

Giving?  I think not.  Fat Boy needs help improving his ballistic missiles.  Putin can provide that.

[rudi49jr]

1 hour ago, Fortean1 said:

Giving?  I think not.  Fat Boy needs help improving his ballistic missiles.  Putin can provide that.

Don’t take it so literally. Of course he’s not going give it away. Kim is not the kind of person who has ever given anything away for free. He’s going to want stuff in return from Putin: money, technology, cheap oil and gas, maybe some nice supercars, or a couple of Russians virgins. Who knows what he wants? But that he’s going to drive a very hard bargain is certain. 

[Fortean1]

Yes, I jumped the gun there.  I found this on Fareed's Global Briefing:

"Whereas Putin wants artillery shells, The Economist writes, “North Korea’s wish list probably includes nuclear weapons designs, re-entry vehicles for intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as technology related to satellites, submarines and hypersonic weapons. Russia could also provide less flashy, but still important support for North Korea’s conventional forces, such as spare parts for aircraft or ships and more modern air defences.” A warmer relationship with Russia could also give Pyongyang more leeway in dealing with its main benefactor, China; Ankit Panda of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace tells The Economist this opening with Russia constitutes “the biggest strategic opportunity for North Korea since the end of the Cold War.”
 
That said, while the word “bromance” is thrown around vis-à-vis Putin and Kim, and while some Western commentators worry about a three-way, anti-Western partnership between China, Russia and North Korea, The Economist sees these relationships as more transactional and limited. The magazine concludes: “The picture that emerges is less of a neat authoritarian axis and more a messy love triangle.”'"