CNN –
Following a summit where North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared to support Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is considering and discussing military cooperation.
In the midst of international isolation in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and Pyongyang’S nuclear weapons program, the leaders met at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’ far eastern region.
Following a warning from US officials, the meeting was held to investigate the potential arms agreement between Russia and North Korea, which could involve providing weapons for use in the Ukraine war that would require ballistic missile technology.
Vladimir Smirnov/Sputnik/Russia reported that Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin commenced their talks on September 13 at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur region, Russia, with a handshake.
During the leaders’ meeting, Putin was asked if he had discussed military-technical cooperation with Kim. He responded to the question by acknowledging that Moscow fully abides by certain restrictions but acknowledges potential opportunities for discussion and consideration.
According to Putin, Russia follows all the restrictions imposed by its government, but there are still opportunities for discussion and reflection.
Kim expressed his confidence in the Russian people and their military to defeat evil forces pursuing hegemony and expansion, before a state dinner with Putin.
Kim declared that the Russian military and its people would inherit the “shiny tradition of victory” and demonstrate their reputation on the frontline of military operations, without mentioning Ukraine.
Kim affirmed that she would always be in favor of Russia, while also commending Moscow for taking the initiative to protect its borders and security against hegemons.
In return, Putin said he was willing to help North Korea develop its space and satellite programme.
Putin stated that North Korea’s leader is highly interested in space, rocketry, and the development of space. They will exhibit their new objects without any haste or hurry to discuss all these issues.
The Kremlin released a video on Wednesday, showing the two leaders shaking hands and then touring the space center and rocket complex where launch vehicles are assembled and tested, according to Russian state media.
North Korea has prioritized space technology, but has some challenges to overcome, such as the failure of their spy satellite launch attempts this year.
In April, North Korean state media reported that Kim has highlighted the importance of military satellites in ensuring national security and territorial stability, and has mentioned their strategic significance when using military force in advance.
Offering North Korea this technology would violate international sanctions and hinder their ability to build a fully operational nuclear weapons and ballistic missile force.
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According to RIA, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for Kremlin, stated that the talks between the two leaders were very important and lasted for five hours. He also noted that North Korea shows considerable interest in strengthening its relationship with Russia.
The first candid discussion was deemed by Putin to be highly productive during his interview with Russia 1;
The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that Russia’s relationship with North Korea was a manifestation of its desperation.
The significance of the gathering at a space center.
The two leaders toured the complex where Russia intends to launch its next generation of spacecraft.
The state news agency TASS stated that the facilities were constructed to receive launch vehicles, prepare for pre-launch operations, conduct launches, and carry out post-launching operations.
According to analysts, the space center’s location for the Wednesday summit was crucial.
Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, stated that the meeting at Russia’s eastern spaceport is based on suspicion as it could lead to Putin offering sanctions-infringing satellite launch technology in exchange for North Korean munitions used in its illegal war in Ukraine.
Following a prolonged conflict in Ukraine, Moscow is seeking new ammunition and shells, while North Korea is facing challenges in obtaining all necessary items, including food, ammunition, and missile technology.
The launch complex at the Vostochny Cosmodrome is inspected by Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin.
North Korea has indicated that the meeting will enhance relations between the two nations.
North Korean state media has released photos of Kim arriving in Russia on his heavily-armored private train with party and military leaders on Tuesday.
During his visit to Khasan on Tuesday, the North Korean leader expressed that his trip to Russia was a clear indication of Pyongyang prioritizing the strategic importance of Moscow-PyongYang relations, as he received warm reception from Russian officials, according to state media.
The meeting between Putin and Kim is of considerable importance, according to ex-US National Security Adviser John Bolton, and it goes beyond a possible arms trade.
Bolton informed CNN that North Korea will be in close communication with Russia for the first time since the Soviet Union’s collapse.
According to state media, Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, stated that “North Korea is our close neighbor” after the talks.
He stated that despite any comments from the outside, they would continue to build relationships with their neighbors in a way that benefits both parties.
Kim’s delegation includes Ri Pyong Chol, his second-in-command of the military and former head of state for ballistic missile programs.
Putin was accompanied by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during his visit to Pyongyang in July. Putin informed reporters on Wednesday that Shoibi had been well received in North Korea and had “a lot of questions to answer.”
Ballistic missiles are being fired by North Korea.
The JCS of South Korea reported that North Korea had launched two short-range ballistic missiles into the waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula just before the summit.
The statement indicated that North Korea fired two ballistic missiles, each of which traveled approximately 650 kilometers (400 miles) before landing in the ocean.
According to the JCS, US and South Korean intelligence authorities are examining more specifics of the launch, which it considers a significant provocative act that endangers the stability and peace of both the Korean Peninsula and the global community.
During their meeting at the Vostochny cosmodrome, Putin and Kim Jong Un inspect a rocket assembly hangar. Artyom Geodakyan/Sputnik/AP can be seen peering through the debris.
According to analysts, Pyongyang’s decision to conduct a launch while Kim is away from the country is not typical.
Easley, the professor of international studies, suggested that North Korea may be aiming to demonstrate that the military is prepared and capable of functioning without interruption.
Easley noted that North Korea’s missile attacks are subject to UN sanctions, while Kim is in Russia to meet with a permanent member of the Security Council.