The impact of the Ukraine conflict on the deepening of North-Russia Western solidarity… Attention to arms trade.

Putin, 2 out of 3 meetings with Kim Jong-un took place within a year
Uncertainty in the situation in Ukraine despite North Korea weapons support
Russia and North Korea seem to be aiming to counter Western sanctions while diplomatically isolating themselves,

[Pyongyang=AP/Newsis]Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea again after 24 years. As the visit took place amid the Ukraine war and Western sanctions, there is an evaluation that Russia and North Korea are deepening their solidarity against the West. The photo shows President Putin (second from right) arriving at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport in the early morning and being welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (left). 2024.06.19.,
,
, ‘[Seoul=Newsis]Reporter Lee Myung-dong = Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea again after 24 years. As the visit took place amid the Ukraine war and Western sanctions, there is an evaluation that Russia and North Korea are deepening their solidarity against the West.’,
,
, ‘During his visit to North Korea after 24 years, President Putin met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This is the third meeting between President Putin and Kim Jong-un during the latter’s term, with the previous meeting taking place when he visited Russia nine months ago.’,
,
, ‘Two out of the three meetings took place amid the Ukraine war and deepening Western sanctions. Moreover, the fact that Russian leaders visited North Korea directly for the second time makes this visit by President Putin significant.’,
,
, ‘It is expected that the solidarity between President Putin and Chairman Kim is based on actual support such as weapons delivery amidst the Ukraine war and advanced military technology support including intelligence satellites and missiles.’,
,
, ‘The current relationship between Russia and North Korea, both seeking support from each other, suggests that a cooperative relationship may be strengthened in an isolated international environment. In fact, it is expected that Russia and North Korea will sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement during this visit.’,
,
,

[Pyongyang=AP/Newsis]Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un exiting the vehicle convoy together at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport in the early morning. 2024.06.19.,
,
, ‘Ultimately, this is interpreted as a projection of the will to stand against Ukraine and its Western backers. As the anti-Western alliance deepens, it is forecasted that Russia will narrow its distance with North Korea until it achieves victory in the Ukraine war.’,
,
, ‘Foreign media such as CNN and Newsweek have assessed that President Putin chose to visit North Korea to secure military supplies for use in the Ukraine frontline.’,
,
, ‘In February of last year, the U.S. government released a statement confirming that Russia had received around 100,000 tons of military supplies and related materials from North Korea through shipments of over 10,000 containers since September of the previous year.’,
,
, ‘Although concerns about the quality of North Korean weapons have been raised continuously, President Putin, ahead of his visit to North Korea, openly praised North Korea’s role in supporting Ukraine in public.’,
,
, “CNN noted that instead of receiving North Korean materials as a ‘transfusion’ due to Russian military material shortages, the quality issue has not been as significant as first thought. As these materials are being used in a supportive role, North Korean materials can serve as a reliable stock for Russia.”,
,
,

[Zaporizhia=AP/Newsis]On June 18 (local time), Ukrainian troops from the Zaporizhia front fire at a target symbolizing Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. 2024.06.19.,
,
, ‘However, whether the close ties between North Korea and Russia will have an immediate effect on pushing back the Ukraine front is uncertain.’,
,
, ‘The Ukrainian military, which has been struggling with a shortage of military supplies for some time, has started to receive aid sent by the United States recently. According to Ukrainian Defense Ministry Deputy Minister (Major General) Ivan Kharkiv, with the arrival of supplies, the exchange rate of shells fired against Russian forces, which was 7 to 1, has been restored to 5 to 1, and more supplies are expected to arrive.’,
,
, ‘It is widely believed that President Putin’s visit to North Korea shows clear political intentions. By securing a large amount of military supplies to strengthen its numerical advantage, Russia chose to visit North Korea as a platform to demonstrate resilience externally even amid diplomatic isolation.’,
,
, ‘Internationally isolated Russia is seeking to form a united front with countries sharing similar thoughts to re-establish its position on the world stage. Such actions also align with Chairman Kim’s interests. As the leader of a country holding a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, President Putin’s visit allows Chairman Kim to showcase his global influence.’,
,
, ‘However, there are also negative views on the close relationship between North Korea and Russia, as the visit was changed to a day trip on the 19th, contrary to previous announcements, and the fact that North Korea had modest preparations.’,
,