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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent a birthday message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him his "closest comrade" and signaling deeper ties between their two nations. In his message celebrating Putin’s 72nd birthday, Kim expressed confidence that relations between Pyongyang and Moscow would reach new heights, a development that has alarmed Western nations. 

VIDEO: Putin and Kim Jong-Un driving together in North Korea pic.twitter.com/8ttbsNqUeH

— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) June 21, 2024

 

Kim’s remarks come at a time when relations between North Korea and Russia have grown significantly closer, particularly since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine. This burgeoning relationship has raised concerns in the West, as both nations face increasing isolation and sanctions from the international community.

 

In his birthday message, Kim noted that relations between the two countries had become "invincible and eternal" since Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June. "Meetings and comradely ties between us... will make a positive contribution to further consolidating the eternal foundation of the DPRK-Russia friendship," Kim added, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

 

The longstanding relationship between North Korea and Russia dates back to the early days of North Korea’s existence. The Soviet Union, under Joseph Stalin, supported Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of the current leader, with weapons and technology. North Korea, historically wary of becoming too dependent on China, has sought to maintain strong ties with Moscow. Earlier this year, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to one another by signing an agreement pledging mutual support in the event of "aggression" against either nation, though the specifics of what would constitute aggression remain unclear.

 

Kim has been accused of assisting Russia in its war against Ukraine by providing munitions in exchange for economic and technological support. There is growing evidence to suggest that Russia has deployed North Korean missiles in Ukraine, further solidifying concerns about the deepening cooperation between the two nations. Analysts believe that for Putin, the relationship with North Korea is more tactical than strategic. Russia, in need of support for its ongoing war effort in Ukraine, appears willing to purchase whatever munitions North Korea is willing to sell. According to Jeffrey Lewis, director at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, both Kim and Putin are "trying to reduce the pain of international sanctions by creating an alternate network of friends and partners beyond the reach of US sanctions."

 

While Russia benefits from North Korean weaponry, North Korea is looking to gain access to Russian military technology, which remains far more advanced than Pyongyang's own. Despite North Korea’s progress in developing new missile systems and miniaturizing nuclear devices over the past decade, Russian technology could significantly boost its capabilities. Russia’s more sophisticated thermonuclear warhead designs, re-entry vehicle technology, and solid rocket motor systems are seen as valuable assets for North Korea’s ongoing efforts to perfect its nuclear and missile arsenal.

 

In September 2023, Kim visited Russia, where Putin promised to assist North Korea in developing its satellite program following several failed launches by Pyongyang. This technological cooperation further underscores the growing ties between the two countries. Separately, South Korean lawmaker Rep. Kang Dae-sik, citing South Korea’s intelligence agency, revealed that there are apparent signs North Korea has begun constructing a possible nuclear-powered submarine. While the construction is reportedly in its early stages, further confirmation is needed to determine whether the submarine is nuclear-powered.

 

As North Korea accelerates its drive to become a military superpower with nuclear capabilities, the closer relationship with Russia presents new challenges for global security. Both nations, increasingly isolated from the West, appear intent on bolstering each other’s military and technological capabilities, raising concerns about the impact of their alliance on international stability.

 

Based on a report from BBC 2024-10-10

 

 

 

[Tug]

Oh dear Donnie will be consumed with jealousy both of his best buds have abandoned him ……just shows how weak Russia really is depending on N Korea the most backward country on earth.