PYONGYANG, North Korea: Vladimir Putin has committed to establishing trade and security systems with North Korea that circumvent Western control, asserting his unwavering support for Pyongyang.
This declaration came in a letter published by North Korean state media ahead of Putin’s planned visit to the country. The letter, featured in North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun, highlighted the 70-year partnership between Russia and North Korea, grounded in equality, mutual respect, and trust.
Putin pledged to develop alternative mechanisms for trade and mutual settlements independent of Western oversight, aiming to counteract what he termed as “illegitimate unilateral restrictions.”
He expressed gratitude to North Korea for backing Russia’s military activities in Ukraine and stressed the need to build an architecture of equal and indivisible security throughout Eurasia. Putin pledged to stand with North Korea in the face of military threats, blackmail, and pressure from the US.
The announcement of Putin’s visit to North Korea, his first in 24 years, was made a day prior to the letter’s publication. The visit is expected to span two days, featuring discussions on a potential partnership agreement covering security issues. Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, stated that the deal would outline future cooperation prospects without targeting any specific country, reflecting recent developments in international politics and economics.
The Russian delegation accompanying Putin will include key officials such as Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, among others. The visit will encompass one-on-one discussions between the leaders, a gala concert, a state reception, honour guards, document signings, and a media statement.
In anticipation of the visit, North Korea has been observed making preparations for a possible military parade in downtown Pyongyang. This summit, according to Victor Cha, a former U.S. national security official, represents a significant threat to U.S. national security since the Korean War. He urged Washington to collaborate with European and other partners to heighten economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang, engage China, and launch a human rights and information campaign to inundate North Korea with external media.
The U.S. State Department reiterated allegations on Monday that North Korea had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and munitions for use in Ukraine, charges that both Moscow and Pyongyang deny. The State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, highlighted Putin’s desperation, seeking military support from Iran and North Korea due to equipment losses on the battlefield.
North Korea has faced U.N. sanctions for its ballistic missile and nuclear programs since 2006, with these measures intensifying over the years. The U.N. Security Council remains divided on handling Pyongyang, with Russia and China advocating for easing sanctions, arguing that increased sanctions would not be effective. In contrast, the U.S. continues to push for stronger sanctions in response to North Korea’s missile launches, with Russia and China frequently vetoing these efforts.
Following his visit to North Korea, Putin is scheduled to visit Vietnam on June 19-20.
