Arr! North Korea's Kim and Russia's Putin be fixin' to meet, chattin' 'bout a steamy arms deal! Savvy?
2023-09-05
Arrr! Word be out that the North Korean landlubber, Kim Jong Un, be settin' sail to meet that scurvy dog, President Vladimir Putin, in Russia. They be chattin' 'bout a possible arms trade, mateys!
North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month to discuss an arms deal between the two countries. The meeting is expected to take place during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia. Kim reportedly wants Russia to provide advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as food aid for his nation. In return, Putin is seeking artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea. The National Security Council (NSC) recently stated that it believes North Korean officials are supplying weapons to the Russian military during their invasion of Ukraine. NSC coordinator John Kirby confirmed that arms negotiations between the two countries are actively advancing. The visit to Russia will also include a trip to Pier 33, where Russia docks its Pacific fleet. The White House has acknowledged the potential for leader-level diplomatic engagement on the arms deal. However, the NSC has urged North Korea to cease its negotiations with Russia and honor its commitments to not provide or sell arms. U.S. intelligence reports suggest that Russian officials recently visited North Korea to establish communication channels for high-level talks. Kim's regime has previously welcomed Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during his visit to Pyongyang. Kim has been maintaining a strong bond with Putin, who has turned to North Korea as a source of military equipment amid international sanctions on Russia.