Phone Discussion Occurs Before Trump and Putin’s Upcoming Summit in Alaska
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the bravery and heroism of North Korean soldiers who helped reclaim Russia’s Kursk region from Ukraine forces during his conversation with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, as per North Korea’s state media.
Putin expressed his appreciation for North Korea’s support and the “self-sacrificing spirit” of its soldiers in the region’s liberation. Kim, in turn, offered his “heartfelt thanks” to Putin and assured Pyongyang’s commitment to the mutual defense treaty signed last year, stating that they will “always remain faithful” and support any future actions by the Russian leadership.
The two leaders also discussed shared concerns and agreed to enhance their communication in the future.
This phone call, taking place just before Putin’s upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska to discuss peace in Ukraine, signals a strengthening bond between North Korea and Russia amidst Moscow’s growing isolation on the international stage.
Experts believe that the call indicates a potential role for Russia, akin to South Korea’s role in 2018, in helping create an opening for US-DPRK relations. Although it may not be the main topic of the upcoming meeting, it is likely to factor into the conversation.
Previously, Kim had informed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that North Korea would unconditionally support Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has estimated that North Korea has already sent over 10,000 troops to aid Russia’s war and stands ready to deploy more.
In April, Putin announced the complete recapture of Kursk, a claim disputed by Ukrainian officials.
During their scheduled summit, Trump aims to persuade Putin to consider a peace deal, potentially involving land swaps and adjustments between Moscow and Kyiv.
Putin expressed his appreciation for North Korea’s support and the “self-sacrificing spirit” of its soldiers in the region’s liberation. Kim, in turn, offered his “heartfelt thanks” to Putin and assured Pyongyang’s commitment to the mutual defense treaty signed last year, stating that they will “always remain faithful” and support any future actions by the Russian leadership.
The two leaders also discussed shared concerns and agreed to enhance their communication in the future.
This phone call, taking place just before Putin’s upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska to discuss peace in Ukraine, signals a strengthening bond between North Korea and Russia amidst Moscow’s growing isolation on the international stage.
Experts believe that the call indicates a potential role for Russia, akin to South Korea’s role in 2018, in helping create an opening for US-DPRK relations. Although it may not be the main topic of the upcoming meeting, it is likely to factor into the conversation.
Previously, Kim had informed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that North Korea would unconditionally support Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has estimated that North Korea has already sent over 10,000 troops to aid Russia’s war and stands ready to deploy more.
In April, Putin announced the complete recapture of Kursk, a claim disputed by Ukrainian officials.
During their scheduled summit, Trump aims to persuade Putin to consider a peace deal, potentially involving land swaps and adjustments between Moscow and Kyiv.
