North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Calls on Putin to Deploy Nuclear Weapons in Ukraine Conflict

One of the things that have received much attention is North Korea’s partnership with Russia, especially on military collaboration during the Ukraine conflict.

Recently, interactions between North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, and Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, have been significant in terms of their alliance, primarily on military collaboration and mutual assistance. This is very timely considering the geo-political stand-off and war in Ukraine.

Background

1. North Korea-Russia Historical Ties

North Korea and Russia relationship goes way back in the mid-20th century. Immediately after World War II, the Soviet Union became very instrumental in setting up the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in 1948 under Kim Il Sung.

Economic and military assistance during the Cold War strengthened this alliance. However, dissolution in 1991 led to relations that became taut and to less aid, and more recently, less diplomacy.

2. Current Events

Recent Developments

Relations between North Korea and Russia, of late, appear to take a new look in life. A common cause for that is support from the international scene since both these nations face the same problem – sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

The most visible sign, however, remains the summit of the two highest levels – Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin on military and economic cooperation.

Summits of Lately: Know the Meetings

1. Place and Time of Summits

In September 2023, Kim Jong Un went to the Russian far east. Kim Jong Un had a summit meeting with Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

It is a space development facility of Russia that symbolizes their ambitions for outer space and future military advancement. This visit indicated a concrete move toward consolidation in the alliance of the two states.

2. Issues Considered

Military cooperation had dominated the agenda. The two parties had covered arms supplies, technological cooperation, and assistance on the issue of Ukraine. According to reports, Kim Jong Un reportedly stated that Russia is absolutely right.

This was the alignment of positions of Pyongyang with Moscow on the Ukrainian question. Other than military issues, the two parties talked about cooperation on the economic plan and mutual support in dodging international sanctions.

Statements by Kim Jong Un

1. On the Ukraine Question

He has publicly come out and supported Russia’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine. In a speech he made during the meeting with Putin, he termed the conflict a “sacred fight to protect its sovereignty and security against the hegemonic forces” of the West, which he seems to be taking North Korea’s side with the Russian narrative.

2. Support for Russia

Besides oral support, North Korea has also extended its direct aid to Russia. It claimed to have provided artillery shells and rockets to the latter, which helped the former to gain a positive advancement in fighting over Ukraine. Support reflects the growing ties between the military forces of two countries.

North Korea and Military Aid to Russia

Military Aid to Russia

1. Arm Supplies

North Korea has apparently provided large quantities of military weapons to Russia. Washington has accused Pyongyang of selling artillery shells and rockets to Moscow, with the estimated number to be delivered to more than 1,000 containers of military weapons.

2. Technological Exchanges

For the military supplies, Russia had provided North Korea with technological aid. These include equipping them with resources for the exploration of satellite technology that would help them strengthen reconnaissance systems of North Korea.

These transfers do not help in the proliferation of modern military technologies.

International Reactions

1. US and Friends

The United States and its allies have criticized North Korea’s coordination with Russia in terms of military activities.

They said that this coordination violated the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and would escalate the war going on in Ukraine.

The United States has made a statement in terms of future consequences for both parties if they continue these military exchanges.

2. United Nations

The United Nations condemned the reported transfer of arms by North Korea to Russia. This action violates sanctions placed on exportation and importation of weapons from international condemnation.

The implementation of the said sanctions has proved difficult, with the United Nations keeping a sharp eye on every move.

Ukraine Crisis Results

1. Battlefield Effects

In all probability, the North Korean military stocks would strengthen Russian forces in Ukraine and thus change the balance at the battleground. However, the effectiveness is not clear since quality and compatibility were issues.

Nevertheless, the additional support may prolong the war and accelerate the casualties speed.

2. Strategic advantages to Russia

With military support from North Korea, Russia can reduce the impact of international sanctions and supply shortages. This alliance will enable Russia to continue its military operations in Ukraine while sending a message of defiance to Western nations.

Global Nuclear Tensions

1. Nuclear Rhetoric

Global Nuclear Tensions escalate as North Korea and Russia cooperate on arms. Both countries have threatened the West by giving them a hint of their nuclear arsenal. Recent North Korean missile tests and increasing Russian nuclear rhetoric are what make the world even more fearful.

2. Non-Proliferation Concern

This developing relationship between two nuclear powers has led to fears of the degradation of global non-proliferation efforts. The nuclear-related technologies exchanged between Russia and North Korea could weaken international treaties and

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