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Rumours are circulating on an impending military munitions-for-technology/funding deal between Russia and North Korea, as leaders from both countries meet in Russia.
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Officials have confirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Chairman of the Workers’ Party Kim Jong-un this week.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea leader is reportedly travelling by armoured train from Pyongyang accompanied by leading officials of the party, government and armed forces personnel in his first time leaving North Korea since 2019. Of particular importance, North Korean munitions industry department director Jo Chun-ryong is allegedly among the visiting group.
“At the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un will pay an official visit to Russia in the coming days,” a statement from the Kremlin said on 11 September.
International commentors have alleged both countries will attempt to negotiate a contract for North Korea munitions to be supplied to Russia, to replace or supply munitions already used in the Ukraine War.
Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder, speaking on the possibility of a munitions agreement, said the US will be keeping a “close eye” on what results from the meeting.
“We do expect some type of meeting and based on the information we’ve been provided, Kim Jong-un is travelling to Russia,” he said.
“I would just again reiterate that we remain concerned that North Korea is contemplating providing any type of ammunition or materiel support to Russia, in support of their war against Ukraine, which would really just serve to perpetuate this needless war and result in the death of innocent Ukrainians.
“It’s something that we’ll continue to keep a close eye on.”
