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Key Points

Russia is actively coordinating a potential visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, following their mutual defense treaty signed last year. The invitation comes amid growing strategic cooperation, with North Korea supporting Russia's war in Ukraine through troop deployments. Speculation suggests Kim might visit in June or September, marking significant diplomatic milestones. The relationship between Russia and North Korea continues to deepen through military and economic exchanges.

Key Points: Putin Invites Kim Jong-un to Russia Amid Defense Treaty Talks

  • Putin extends official invitation to Kim Jong-un for Russia visit
  • North Korea supports Russia's Ukraine war with troops
  • Mutual defense treaty strengthens bilateral military ties
  • Potential visit may coincide with anniversary or economic forum
2 min read

Russia coordinating North Korean leader Kim's visit: Report

Russia coordinates potential Kim Jong-un visit, following mutual defense treaty and strategic military cooperation with North Korea

"It is still premature to specify a date for the visit - Andrey Rudenko, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister"

Seoul, May 21

The Kremlin is coordinating North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to the country, but it is too early to discuss the timing, a Russian news report said on Wednesday, citing Russia's deputy foreign minister.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko confirmed that President Vladimir Putin had invited Kim to pay an official visit to Russia and expressed hope that the timing, schedule and agency would be coordinated through diplomatic channels, Yonhap reported, quoting Russian news agency Ria Novosti.

Rudenko was also quoted as saying that it is still premature to specify a date for the visit, but Moscow hopes Kim will make the trip to Russia.

Kim and Putin last held a summit in June last year in Pyongyang, where they signed a mutual defence treaty as the two countries aligned closely in the military and other sectors. At that time, Putin invited Kim to Moscow.

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.

Kim skipped Russia's high-profile Victory Day ceremony in Moscow on May 9, choosing instead to visit the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

Speculation has arisen about Kim's visit to Russia in the coming months, possibly in June to mark the first anniversary of the mutual defence treaty signing or during Russia's annual Eastern Economic Forum slated for September in Vladivostok, near the border with North Korea.

Since signing the treaty, North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, while Russia has provided rare defence and arms technologies, economic rewards and other benefits in return.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Interesting development but concerning for global stability. Russia-North Korea alliance is clearly against Western interests, but India must maintain balanced relations with all sides. Our foreign policy of strategic autonomy serves us well in these complex times.
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Priya M.
While we understand Russia's need for allies due to Western sanctions, aligning with North Korea sends wrong signals. India has always stood for peaceful resolution of conflicts. Hope this doesn't escalate tensions further in Asia. 🙏
A
Amit S.
Russia getting desperate in Ukraine war if they need North Korean soldiers! This shows how isolated they've become. India should be careful in our dealings with both - we have our own border concerns with China who supports North Korea.
N
Neha T.
The timing is suspicious - right after Putin's China visit. Seems like an attempt to create an anti-West bloc. India should focus on strengthening QUAD and relations with ASEAN countries to counterbalance these developments.
S
Sanjay R.
North Korea sending troops to Russia in exchange for weapons tech? This is dangerous for regional security. Our government should raise concerns at UN about nuclear proliferation risks. The world can't afford another crisis when we're still dealing with Ukraine and Gaza.
K
Kavita P.
As an Indian, I'm more concerned about how this affects our defense deals with Russia. We've been traditional allies but their growing closeness with China and now North Korea makes me question if we should diversify our arms suppliers more aggressively.

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