The South Korean Government has called for an immediate cessation of military cooperation between these two countries following a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. [i] In this context, South Korea summoned Russian Ambassador Andrei Borisovich Kulik to the ministry on September 19, 2023 South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin, in a statement regarding this matter, expressed a strong demand for Russia to immediately halt its military cooperation with North Korea and adhere to United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions.[ii]
North Korean officials have announced that, following leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia, he has returned to the country, stating that the visit has ‘deepened friendly relations’.[iii] During Kim’s six-day visit to Russia, which marked his longest foreign trip as a leader, it was announced that the two countries discussed strengthening defense relations. However, these discussions were kept confidential. [iv]
When Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was asked whether the leaders would discuss weapons, it was responded that the two countries were cooperating in ‘sensitive’ areas, and this would not be disclosed to the public. [v] The United States (US) and South Korea have made statements asserting that Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, cannot violate UN agreements by agreeing to the deal[vi]
On September 19, 2023, President Joe Biden of the United States condemned North Korea for continuing to violate UN Security Council resolutions and reiterated his commitment and belief in diplomacy to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.[vii]
Considering both countries’ conflicts with the West, it is speculated that the bilateral talks may involve arms transfer agreements that contravene UN Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, it is believed that Russia has depleted its ammunition stocks during the protracted 18 month war in Ukraine. As a result of these discussions, there is an international security dilemma, particularly with the United States and South Korea, about the possibility of receiving weapons and ammunition aid from North Korea.
The outcomes of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia can vary depending on a range of factors. Such collaboration can influence regional and international dynamics. Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia may have implications for regional security and stability, particularly in the Korean Peninsula and the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership will be closely monitored by other countries in the region, and security balances could shift rapidly. Arms trade and technology transfer could lead to North Korea enhancing its weapon capabilities or Russia gaining revenue from technology and military hardware sales. In this scenario, the fate of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict in the region may also be affected
On Monday, September 18, 2023, during the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Summit held in New York, Russia threatened the international community by blocking the adoption of a new political declaration. In a joint letter sent to the UN General Assembly, Russia, along with Belarus, Iran, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Eritrea, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, referred to the embargoes imposed on them as ‘unilateral coercive measures.’ It was emphasized that these sanctions have placed a significant burden on the countries’ capacity to implement sustainable development projects [viii]
While Russia had made some progress towards fulfilling sustainable development projects by 2022, the ongoing war in Ukraine has halted many of Russia’s initiatives[ix] Consequently, an escalation in international public pressure and regional interest conflicts can be expected.
[i] “South Korea Summons Russian Ambassador After Putin and Kim Summit”, Politico, https://t.ly/5H5ty, (Erişim Tarihi: 19.09.2023).
[ii] Aynı yer.
[iii] “North Korea Says Kim Jong Un Is Back Home From Russia, Where He Deepened ‘Comradely’ Ties With Putin”, The Daily Gazette, https://dailygazette.com/2023/09/19/north-korea-says-kim-jong-un-is-back-home-from-russia-where-he-deepened-comradely-ties-with-putin/, (Erişim Tarihi: 19.09.2023).
[iv] Aynı yer.
[v] “Putin And Kim Meet At Russia’s Most Modern Space Rocket Launch Site”, The Business Standard, https://www.tbsnews.net/world/putin-and-kim-meet-russias-most-modern-space-rocket-launch-site-699666, (Erişim Tarihi: 19.09.2023).
[vi] Aynı yer.
[vii] “Biden Condemns N. Korea’s Defiance of UNSC Resolutions”, Yonhap News Agency, https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230920000300325?section=news, (Erişim Tarihi: 19.09.2023).
[viii] “Russia and Allies Warn UN That SDGs in Jeopardy Without Sanctions Relief”, The Moscow Times, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/09/19/russia-and-allies-warn-un-that-sdgs-in-jeopardy-without-sanctions-relief-a82505, (Erişim Tarihi: 19.09.2023).
[ix] Aynı yer.
