Putin's Visit to North Korea: A Deepening Alignment Amid Troop Losses and Weapons Transfers
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea on June 18-19, 2023, marking his first trip in more than two decades. This visit comes amid growing concerns over troop losses in Russia and the potential transfer of advanced weapons technology from Moscow to Pyongyang.
According to reports, North Korea has provided Russia with 5 million rounds of ammunition and scores of ballistic missiles, with more potentially on the way. Putin may be providing Kim Jong-un with advanced telemetry, nuclear submarine technology, military satellite wares, and even advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology.
The implications of this deepening alignment are significant. North Korea's ICBMs equipped with countermeasure technology and overhead reconnaissance capabilities could target the entirety of the United States. Kim Jong-un has spurned over 20 private attempts by the administration to restart talks, further complicating matters.
The United States should mobilize Europeans at G7 and NATO conferences to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang. China can join in sanctions against any companies supporting the weapons trade between Russia and North Korea. A human rights and information penetration campaign should be launched to expose the North Korean regime.
The war in Ukraine has left Russia with a munitions shortfall of 50,000 rounds, making Putin's pursuit of more weapons all the more pressing. Reports suggest that Russian scientists have been present in North Korea prior to this month's military satellite launch and are working on nuclear submarine plans.
The denuclearization process remains stalled, and Japan and South Korea defense exercises continue to heighten tensions in the region. The Wagner Group, a private military company with ties to Russia, has been implicated in the conflict. The United States must remain vigilant against this growing threat.
