Putin meets North Korean leader

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 13 Sep 2023 by Alex Teddy

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On September 13 the leaders met at a space center in the Russian Far East. Putin said they met there because Russia wishes to help North Korea build satellites. He noted that North Korea wants to develop its rocket technology. The US speculates that North Korea will offer Russia shells and missiles in exchange for satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology. Putin declined to say whether military cooperation was on the agenda. North Korea has twice failed to get a military spy satellite into orbit. North Korea may also want food and oil because of sanctions. Significantly, Russia's natural resource minister was at the meeting. The US publicly warned Russia not to barter for North Korean arms. Russia voted for sanctions on North Korea. Some Russian opinion-makers said that Russia can change its mind on this. UN sanctions are only binding if all five permanent UN Security Council members vote for them, and Russia is one of those five.  Kim Jong Un said the visit underscored how vital relations with Russia are for North Korea. Kim brought top generals with him. The Russian Defense Minister said earlier in 2023 that North Korea and Russia should carry out joint naval exercises.  China considers North Korea to be its sphere of influence. Beijing will be displeased with Russia's intruding.  Russia has decent relations with South Korea. These will be strained by cozying up to North Korea.