Kim Jong Un's Russian Rendezvous With Putin Signals Potential Arms Deal

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to make a trip to Russia this week to meet President Vladimir Putin, marking his first known international trip since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The focus of the discussions between the two leaders appears to be weapons, trade, labor, and mutual interests in countering U.S. influence.

This is not the first face-to-face between Putin and Kim; they met in 2019, when the Russian President described the North Korean leader as "open," "thoughtful," and "interesting."

The nature of Kim's entourage, notably if he brings along a full military delegation, would hint at the discussions' tone and topics, Reuters said in a Monday report. Observers are also watching to see if Kim meets other Russian figures such as Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who visited North Korea back in July.

Historically, North Korea was heavily reliant on Soviet aid, Reuters noted, and its leaders have often tried to balance between Beijing and Moscow for support. 

Kim initially had a tepid relationship with both Russia and China, given the strict sanctions they imposed on North Korea following its nuclear tests.

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Arms And Trade: The U.S. raised alarms over the potential of advancing arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea, saying that any arms sold to Russia would end up killing Ukrainians.

Both nations denied any arms provision claims but Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the two countries have mutually respectful relations, and intend to develop them further.

Military analysts Reuters spoke with say that North Korea could offer Russia artillery shells, rockets and small arms ammunition. In return, Russia might provide grain, oil and military tech.

At the same time, U.S. President Joe Biden just completed a summit in Vietnam, which saw the two countries announce a bevy of partnerships aimed at strengthening economic ties while boosting sectors including semiconductors, aviation, humanitarian rights and energy storage.

While both Russia and North Korea present a united front, other strategic partnerships are being catalyzed. The U.S. and its allies remain concerned about escalating military cooperation between the two, which could further destabilize the already tense geopolitical situation.

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