The recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been seen as a sign of their deepening relationship and a warning to their rivals. Despite their geopolitical isolation, both countries aim to showcase their dependable partners. They are also working to weaken U.S.-led sanctions and pressure campaigns against Russia (for the war in Ukraine) and North Korea (for its nuclear and missile programs).
Analysts suggest that while some practical cooperation may emerge from the summit, its main purpose is to send a geopolitical message. By publicly displaying their friendship and discussing deepened defense cooperation, Putin and Kim are signaling that their nuclear-armed countries are cooperating militarily and issuing a warning to U.S. allies and like-minded partners who support Ukraine and oppose North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
The summit also serves as a challenge to the U.S.-led international order and avoids over-reliance on China for both Russia and North Korea. While both countries deny plans to provide each other with weapons, the summit allows them to claim success in challenging the existing order and putting pressure on rivals such as Ukraine and South Korea.
However, some experts point out that the summit may indicate a disregard for U.N. Security Council resolutions, particularly those related to North Korea’s nuclear program. It sets a precedent that major international players can ignore UNSC resolutions if they do not align with their interests.
While Russia, North Korea, and China may seek to support each other in response to perceived threats, forming long-term alliances among dictators can be challenging due to trust issues. The sustainability of such partnerships remains uncertain despite shared interests.
Influencing South Korea’s Stance
The summit also indirectly influences South Korea’s stance on providing military aid to Ukraine. While pressure from Kyiv and Washington exists, South Korea has refrained from providing lethal aid to Ukraine, and the summit may serve as a reminder to South Korea not to directly support Ukraine militarily.
