Kim Jong Un extended an invitation to Vladimir Putin, leader of the Russian Federation, during their historic summit. The United States is now even more worried that a renewed Moscow-Pyongyang axis will help Russia’s military in Ukraine and give Kim access to secret missile technology.
According to KCNA, North Korea’s state news agency, Putin has accepted the invitation, though the Kremlin has not yet confirmed this. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin has not traveled widely.
Putin and Kim referred to each other as “comrades” while touring Russia’s cutting-edge space launch facility and speaking with their respective defense ministers.
The United States and its allies have reason to be concerned about Kim and Putin’s growing relationship. Despite Washington’s accusations, it is unknown if North Korea has actually delivered any arms to Russia.
Russia and North Korea have both denied the allegations while also promising to increase their defense cooperation. In July, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un showed Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu prohibited ballistic missiles.