North Korean leader's visit to Russia not expected in near future: Report

IANS June 20, 2025 378 views

The Kremlin has dismissed rumors of Kim Jong Un visiting Russia soon, despite the recent defense treaty anniversary. Speculation had grown due to September's Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Kim previously visited Russia in 2019 and 2023 for talks with Putin. North Korea will still send representatives to the upcoming forum.

"No" – Dmitry Peskov when asked about Kim Jong Un's potential Russia visit
Seoul, June 20: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is not expected to visit Russia in the near future, a Russian news agency reported, citing a Kremlin spokesperson on Friday.

Key Points

1

Kremlin denies Kim Jong Un's near-term Russia visit

2

Speculation followed defense treaty anniversary with Putin

3

Eastern Economic Forum still expected to host North Korean reps

4

Kim's last Russia trips were in 2019 and 2023

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded "No" when asked by reporters whether Kim would visit Russia soon, including during the Eastern Economic Forum, scheduled for September in Vladivostok near the border with North Korea, Ria Novosti reported.

As North Korea and Russia marked the first anniversary this month of the signing of a mutual defence treaty between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, speculation has emerged that the North Korean leader may travel to Russia for a summit with Putin.

While visiting Pyongyang for the signing last year, Putin extended an invitation to Kim to visit Russia for talks.

Russia's annual Eastern Economic Forum, slated for September 3-6, has been speculated on as a possible occasion for Kim's trip to Russia and a summit with Putin.

Kim has visited Russia twice so far, in 2019 and 2023, for talks with Putin, but both trips took place in Russia's eastern regions near North Korea, due apparently to security and logistical reasons, Yonhap news agency reported.

In a separate dispatch, Ria Novosti reported North Korea will be among more than 60 countries to send representatives to the 10th Eastern Economic Forum, citing Russia's minister for the development of the Russian Far East.

Earlier on June 17, Kim Jong-un held talks with Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang.

Shoigu had visited North Korea on a special mission from Russian President Putin, according to Russian media

Shoigu's back-to-back visit to North Korea comes as Pyongyang and Moscow marked the first anniversary of the signing of the treaty on their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June last year in Pyongyang by Kim and Putin, which resulted in North Korea's deployment of troops on the Russian side in the war against Ukraine.

The approach of the June 19 anniversary had fueled speculation that Kim may visit Russia for a summit with Putin, although no signs of his immediate trip have been reported.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting development. India has always maintained a balanced approach with both Russia and the West. While we value our historical ties with Russia, we must be cautious about their growing closeness with North Korea. This could impact regional stability in Asia. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Russia-North Korea alliance is worrying when we see North Korean troops being sent to Ukraine. As an Indian, I hope our government continues its independent foreign policy without getting dragged into such conflicts. Our focus should remain on development and border security with China.
A
Arjun S.
The timing is suspicious! Just when Russia is struggling in Ukraine, they're cozying up with North Korea. India should learn from this - we must be self-reliant in defense and not depend too much on any single country for military supplies. Atmanirbhar Bharat is the way! 💪
S
Sunita R.
While Russia is our old friend, their actions with North Korea show how quickly international alliances can change. India must maintain good relations with all sides while protecting our national interests. The world is becoming more unpredictable by the day!
V
Vikram J.
Somewhat disappointed by Russia's actions. They criticize Western alliances but are doing the same with North Korea. India should continue strengthening ties with Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries to balance the power equations in our neighborhood.
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Neha P.
The Russia-North Korea partnership shows how isolated nations come together. But India's position is different - we're engaging with everyone while maintaining our sovereignty. That's why our foreign policy is admired globally! 😊

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Tags:
Kim Jong Un Russia visit Putin North Korea Eastern Economic Forum Kremlin Dmitry Peskov