The West is growing increasingly concerned about the strengthening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang as Russia makes efforts to regain the upper hand in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his support during the invasion of Ukraine, just before embarking on a rare visit to North Korea. Putin’s visit, the first for a Russian leader in 25 years, comes as the two countries deepen their relationship in response to mounting pressure from the United States.
The streets of Pyongyang have already been adorned with banners welcoming Putin, displaying images of the Russian president and Russian flags. In an op-ed piece published in North Korean state media, Putin commended Pyongyang for its unwavering support during the Ukraine invasion and emphasized their joint opposition to Western efforts to obstruct the establishment of a multipolar world order. Putin also announced plans to develop alternative trade and payment systems independent of Western influence, while pledging to jointly combat what he termed as “unilateral and illegal restrictive measures” imposed by Western nations.
The strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia have raised concerns about a potential arms agreement, with Pyongyang allegedly providing Moscow with weaponry to support its military campaign in Ukraine in exchange for economic aid and technology transfers. Military, economic, and diplomatic exchanges between the two countries have intensified since Kim’s visit to the Russian far east last September for a meeting with Putin. US and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with military equipment to prolong the conflict in Ukraine, potentially in exchange for advanced military technologies and assistance.
Both North Korea and Russia have denied accusations of weapons transfers, which would violate UN Security Council sanctions that have been previously endorsed by the Kremlin. Russia, along with China, has supported Kim’s efforts to enhance his nuclear weapons arsenal, effectively blocking US-led initiatives to impose new sanctions on North Korea for its weapons testing activities. The close friendship between Moscow and Pyongyang poses a challenge to Western powers, who are wary of the implications of their alliance and its potential impact on regional stability and global security.
