Putin's Unexpected Journey: Visiting Kim Jong Un Amid Military Cooperation and Economic Struggles

Pyongyang, North Korea Korea (Democratic People's Republic of)
Moscow seeking munitions from North Korea for Ukraine war, Pyongyang seeking advanced technology
Putin's trip comes amid growing military cooperation and economic struggles for both countries
Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un
Putin's Unexpected Journey: Visiting Kim Jong Un Amid Military Cooperation and Economic Struggles

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea for talks with leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday or Wednesday, marking the first such trip since 2000. The visit comes amid growing military cooperation between the two pariah states and Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Putin's trip will reciprocate Kim's visit to Russia's Far East in September last year, where they pledged public support for each other and discussed potential economic cooperation. According to reports, Moscow is seeking munitions for its war against Ukraine from North Korea, which has a large stockpile of dated artillery shells and rockets compatible with Soviet and Russian weapons systems used in Ukraine.

Pyongyang, on the other hand, is seeking access to Moscow's advanced technology for its satellite and nuclear weapons programs. In November 2021, North Korea launched a 'space launch vehicle' into orbit after two failed attempts.

The visit will also highlight the longevity of autocratic leadership in both countries: Putin last visited North Korea 24 years ago, soon after he became president for the first time, when the country was led by Kim Jong Il. Kim has called his relations with Russia his top priority and pledged support for Moscow's 'sacred struggle' against Ukraine.

The White House has repeatedly accused North Korea of sending 'equipment and munitions' to Russia to replenish its supplies for the war in Ukraine, including ballistic missiles with a range of roughly 550 miles and missile launchers. North Korea is believed to have a production capacity that would help Russia maintain its high ammunition burn rate as it seeks to scale up domestic production.

Pyongyang is also grappling with financial hardship and food insecurity following pandemic isolation and years of sanctions. The visit could provide an opportunity for North Korea to boost its economy by securing Russian investment and technology.

The Kremlin has not yet confirmed the details of Putin's visit, but it is expected to further deepen the strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea at a time when both countries are facing international isolation.



Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Is the reported Russian request for munitions from North Korea confirmed?
  • What specific advanced technology is North Korea seeking from Russia?

Sources

78%

  • Unique Points
    • Following the visit to North Korea, Putin will travel to Hanoi for another two-day trip to display Vietnam’s ties to Russia.
  • Accuracy
    • The partnership between Russia and North Korea is founded on their shared animosity toward the West and Putin’s need for support in his ongoing war on Ukraine.
    • Russia needs weapons from North Korea due to its invasion of Ukraine floundering and North Korea has munitions in abundance.
    • North Korea launched a ‘space launch vehicle’ into orbit after two failed attempts in November 2021.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the authors' position of a deepening alignment between Russia and North Korea. The authors state that 'observers have raised concerns that Moscow may be violating international sanctions to aid Pyongyang’s development of its nascent military satellite program.' However, they do not mention any evidence or facts to support this claim. They also quote Putin's peace conditions as a sign of his need for North Korean support for his war in Ukraine, but again provide no evidence or facts to back up this assertion. The authors also use emotional manipulation by stating that 'the closely watched visit is expected to further cement a burgeoning partnership between the two powers that is founded on their shared animosity toward the West and driven by Putin’s need for support in his ongoing war on Ukraine.' This statement implies a negative connotation towards Russia and North Korea's relationship, manipulating readers' emotions.
    • observers have raised concerns that Moscow may be violating international sanctions to aid Pyongyang’s development of its nascent military satellite program.
    • The closely watched visit is expected to further cement a burgeoning partnership between the two powers that is founded on their shared animosity toward the West and driven by Putin’s need for support in his ongoing war on Ukraine.
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The authors make several appeals to authority by mentioning the opinions of various countries and organizations. For example, they state that 'the US, South Korea and other countries have accused North Korea of providing substantial military aid to Russia's war effort in recent months.' This is an appeal to the authority of these countries as they are making accusations against North Korea. They also mention a summit attended by more than 100 countries and organizations, which is another appeal to authority. However, no formal fallacies were found.
    • ]The US, South Korea and other countries have accused North Korea of providing substantial military aid to Russia's war effort in recent months.[
    • a summit attended by more than 100 countries and organizations
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea for talks with leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday or Wednesday.
    • Putin's trip will reciprocate Kim’s visit to Russia’s Far East in September last year.
    • Moscow is seeking munitions for its war against Ukraine and North Korea has a large stockpile of dated artillery shells and rockets compatible with Soviet and Russian weapons systems used in Ukraine.
    • Pyongyang is seeking to boost its economy and get access to Moscow’s advanced technology for its satellite and nuclear weapons programs.
    • North Korea launched a ‘space launch vehicle’ into orbit after two failed attempts in November 2021.
  • Accuracy
    • The pair are expected to pledge public support for each other during the visit.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • Vladimir Putin is expected to make his first visit to Pyongyang since 2000 this week.
    • Kim Jong Un has a new best friend, replacing Donald Trump.
    • They have an ‘unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms’ according to Kim Jong Un.
    • Russia needs weapons from North Korea due to its invasion of Ukraine floundering and North Korea has munitions in abundance.
  • Accuracy
    • Moscow is seeking munitions for its war against Ukraine and North Korea has a large stockpile of dated artillery shells and rockets compatible with Soviet and Russian weapons systems used in Ukraine.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • During Kim’s trip to Russia last September, Russia agreed to help North Korea with space programme in return for arms for Ukraine conflict violation of UN resolutions
    • UN sanctions monitors found debris from a missile that landed in Kharkiv was from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile launched from Russian territory
  • Accuracy
    • US and South Korea have warned Vladimir Putin against closer military ties with North Korea
    • North Korea preparing for possible parade in Kim Il-sung Square ahead of Putin’s visit
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

  • Unique Points
    • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling North Korea an ‘invincible comrade-in-arms’ of Russia.
    • Kim and Putin met at a Russian space launch facility last year, elevating their ‘century-old strategic relationship’.
    • Rumors suggest Putin will visit North Korea in the coming weeks.
    • Russia is helping North Korea build satellites as part of their cooperation in all areas.
  • Accuracy
    • Pyongyang and Moscow have been increasing diplomatic and security relations, with a North Korean public security delegation visiting Russia this week.
    • North Korea has been accused of shipping weapons to Russia in exchange for technological aid with its nuclear and missile programs.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority when it mentions Kim Jong Un's statement that North Korea is an 'invincible comrade-in-arms' with Russia. This is a fallacious form of argument because it relies on the authority of Kim Jong Un rather than providing evidence or logical reasoning for this claim.
    • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said his country is an ‘invincible comrade-in-arms’ with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin, state media KCNA said on Wednesday.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication