In a highly anticipated development, Kim Jong Un’s heavily-armored private train has crossed into Russian territory, setting the stage for a historic summit between the North Korean leader and Russian President Vladimir Putin. As the world watches with bated breath, the two leaders are poised to meet in Russia’s Far East, bringing together two figures who have been increasingly isolated on the global stage. This event carries significant implications, as it could lead to an arms deal between the two nations, a prospect that has drawn concerns from the United States.
Diplomatic Maneuvers Underway
The heavily-guarded train carrying Kim Jong Un made its way into Russia’s Primorsky Krai, situated in the Far East region, according to reports by Russian state news agency RIA. This movement was closely monitored by South Korea’s Defense Ministry, which believes that the North Korean leader entered Russia early Tuesday morning local time. A video, initially shared by Russia Today and geolocated by CNN, offered a glimpse of Kim’s train near the Russian-North Korean border, along the Tumen river.
High Stakes on the Table
The forthcoming one-on-one meeting between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin is expected to address not only bilateral relations but also potentially include arms negotiations. Russia, after more than 18 months of conflict in Ukraine, urgently requires ammunition and shells, while North Korea, reeling from years of international sanctions, faces a dire shortage of resources. This summit holds the possibility of granting Pyongyang access to weapons that have been barred by over two decades of United Nations sanctions, particularly for its nuclear-capable ballistic missile program. The U.S. government has already expressed concern about the active advancement of arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea.
A Rare Foreign Venture for Kim
Kim Jong Un’s arrival in Russia marks a rare foreign trip for the leader of one of the world’s most isolated nations. It is his first visit abroad since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw North Korea sealing its borders. Since assuming power in 2011, Kim has ventured abroad only ten times, all of which occurred in 2018 and 2019 during talks related to North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim’s choice of travel, the iconic green armored train, reflects the secrecy and isolation that have become synonymous with North Korea’s leadership.
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