Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit North Korea from June 18-19, 2024, accepting an invitation from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This marks Putin’s first visit to Pyongyang since July 2000, emphasizing a growing partnership between the two nations. The Kremlin has confirmed the upcoming visit, which will include discussions on bilateral and international issues. After his stay in North Korea, Putin will proceed to Vietnam for further diplomatic engagements from June 19-20, 2024.The visit has raised concerns among the US and its allies due to allegations that North Korea has been supplying weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict. Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied these accusations. Nonetheless, the trip is seen as a diplomatic victory for Kim Jong Un, as it potentially enhances North Korea’s status among countries that challenge the US-led international order and strengthens Kim’s domestic legitimacy.Putin’s engagement with North Korea and Vietnam is indicative of Russia’s strategic efforts to solidify alliances and counterbalance Western influence, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues to draw international scrutiny and criticism.
Key points
- Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea on June 18-19, his first trip to the country in 24 years, to discuss military cooperation.
- Concerns have been raised by the US and its allies over North Korea’s alleged provision of munitions to Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.
- Putin’s visit to North Korea and subsequent trip to Vietnam signify Russia’s efforts to strengthen alliances against Western influence.
