Late Putin Embraced by Kim Jong-un... Will They Form a Quasi-Military Alliance?

'Known for Tardiness'... Arrived in Pyongyang Past Midnight
Kim Jong-un Waited Alone... Russian Media Praise
Concerns Over 'Dangerous Proximity'... Will Military Intervention Clause Emerge?

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un met again after nine months. Notoriously known as a 'latecomer,' President Putin arrived in Pyongyang past midnight in the early morning hours, but Chairman Kim warmly embraced him, showing close rapport. Marking the first visit by President Putin to North Korea since Kim's rise to power and the first in 24 years, the relationship between North Korea and Russia is set to be elevated to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership.'

According to footage released by the Kremlin on the 19th, the Illyushin (IL)-96 presidential plane carrying President Putin landed at the dark and quiet Pyongyang Sunan Airport in the early morning. Flight tracking records indicate that the plane arrived at 2:22 a.m. that day. It is unprecedented for a state visit of the highest rank to arrive past midnight. The originally planned 1-night, 2-day schedule was shortened to a same-day visit.

In the early morning of the 19th, North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un warmly embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at Pyongyang Sunan Airport. President Putin's visit to North Korea marks the first in 24 years since July 2000.
[Image source=Russian Kremlin]

Although Chairman Kim, known as 'North Korea No. 1,' was kept waiting until late at night, the two showed no concern and displayed a strong honeymoon phase. In front of the Aurus limousine, reportedly a gift from President Putin in February this year, they staged a scene of mutual courtesy, each urging the other to board first. Russian media reported that Kim was seen waiting alone with his hands clasped behind his back at the airport, describing it as a "sign of utmost trust."

Before departing for North Korea, President Putin ordered the signing of an agreement on a bilateral 'comprehensive strategic partnership.' According to a document posted on the Telegram channel of the Russian Embassy in North Korea, it states, "We accept the proposal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, agreed upon with relevant federal government agencies and organizations, to sign an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea." However, detailed contents were not disclosed.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un is waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin at Pyongyang Sunan Airport early on the 19th. Russian media described his solitary stance with hands clasped behind his back as "the highest sign of trust."
[Image source=Russian Kremlin Palace]

Earlier, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov mentioned the possibility of such an agreement, explaining, "It will replace the 1961 Korea-Soviet Friendship Treaty, the 2000 North Korea-Russia Treaty, and the 2000 and 2001 Pyongyang and Moscow Declarations." Attention is focused on the redefinition of relations alongside the increasing level of military cooperation. The Korea-Soviet Friendship Treaty included a clause for 'automatic military intervention in case of emergency.' Although the treaty was not extended after the Soviet Union's collapse, intelligence agencies speculate that an agreement of a similar level may emerge following President Putin's visit.

President Putin is scheduled to hold a summit with Chairman Kim in the afternoon to sign the 'comprehensive strategic partnership' agreement. Given Russia's prior announcement that 'security' issues would be included in the talks, discussions are expected to involve Russia receiving conventional weapons such as artillery shells from North Korea in exchange for transferring military technologies like satellites. Although Putin is under pressure due to confrontation with the West, he may aim to disperse U.S. power by providing military and economic support to North Korea, thereby countering Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In the early morning of the 19th, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un are seen walking and talking after arriving in North Korea. The two are scheduled to sign a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' agreement that afternoon. [Image source=Russian Kremlin]

The international community has expressed concerns over the 'dangerous closeness' between North Korea and Russia. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre criticized during a briefing, "We believe no country should provide a platform to support Putin's war of aggression," adding, "North Korea's provision of weapons to Russia has enabled Russia to conduct a brutal war against Ukraine."

China also responded with unease. Given the North Korea-China-Russia alliance, the crossing of lines by these 'two troublemakers' could pose a significant burden. The Chinese Foreign Ministry initially welcomed Putin's visit on the 13th, stating, "We welcome the consolidation and development of traditional friendly relations," but from the day before, it changed its stance to a brief comment describing it as "bilateral exchanges between North Korea and Russia."

South Korea also issued a warning. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-seok stated, "Our government's firm position is that cooperation between Russia and North Korea must not violate United Nations Security Council resolutions or undermine peace and security in the region."