US Expresses Concern Over Putin's Visit to North Korea as a Move That Could Impact Korean Peninsula Security

The U.S. government expressed concern over the close North Korea-Russia relations that could impact security on the Korean Peninsula, regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea on the 18th and 19th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Coordinator, stated during a briefing on the 17th (local time), "We are not concerned about the visit itself," but added, "What we are concerned about is the deepening relationship between the two countries."

He emphasized that the reason for concern is that ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea to Russia are still being used to strike targets in Ukraine, and there may be some reciprocal measures that could affect security on the Korean Peninsula.

This suggests that North Korea, which provided weapons to Russia, is attentively watching with concern the tangible and intangible returns it may receive from Russia as a result of Putin's visit. According to Russian news agencies such as TASS, Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin aide, stated that President Putin may sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement during his visit to North Korea.

Coordinator Kirby said, "So far, we have not witnessed the full scope and results of all (North Korea-Russia cooperation)," but added, "We will certainly monitor it closely."

Earlier, the Kremlin announced that President Putin would make a state visit to North Korea for one night and two days starting on the 18th, at the invitation of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un.

President Putin's visit to North Korea is the first in 24 years since July 19-20, 2000. The meeting between the North Korea and Russia leaders comes nine months after Chairman Kim's visit to Russia last September. Around the time of last year's North Korea-Russia summit, North Korea supplied Russia with large quantities of ammunition and ballistic missiles, influencing the course of the war in Ukraine. Consequently, the international community is concerned about the possibility that Russia may provide North Korea with advanced military technology and other support.