Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday, marking his second visit to the country since 2019. The visit comes amidst heightened tensions with the West and strengthens the growing strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. This timeline delves into key events that have shaped the relationship between Russia and North Korea over the past two decades.
In July 2000, early in his presidency, Putin visited North Korea for the first time, meeting with then-leader Kim Jong Il, the father of the current leader. This visit marked the beginning of a complex relationship that has evolved significantly over the years.
From 2006 to 2017, Russia, under UN Security Council resolutions, imposed sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program. These sanctions included restrictions on weapons trade, missile technology transfers, and luxury goods shipments to Pyongyang. However, this period also saw increasing cooperation between the two nations.
In April 2019, Putin and Kim Jong Un met in Vladivostok, Russia, for their first summit. This marked a turning point, symbolizing the strengthening of their bilateral ties. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted their interactions. North Korea closed its borders with both Russia and China in February 2020, necessitating the use of a hand-pushed rail trolley for Russian diplomats and their families to cross the border.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, North Korea openly supported Moscow, blaming the US and the West for the conflict. The two countries further strengthened their alliance through joint actions at the UN Security Council. In May 2022, Russia and China vetoed a US-led resolution aimed at imposing additional sanctions on North Korea, showcasing their unified stance against US-led pressure.
In July 2023, Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s then-defense minister, visited Pyongyang and witnessed a North Korean defense expo, including the display of banned ballistic missiles. This visit reinforced the growing military cooperation between the two nations.
The following September, Kim Jong Un traveled to the Russian Far East for a second summit with Putin. The two leaders discussed military cooperation, the war in Ukraine, and Russian support for North Korea’s satellite program.
In October 2023, the US accused North Korea of providing weapons to Russia, a claim both countries denied. Shortly after, North Korea successfully launched its first spy satellite into orbit, prompting speculation about potential Russian technical assistance.
Further escalation occurred in January 2024 when the US alleged that Russia had used short-range ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea in attacks against Ukraine. Independent experts and UN sanctions monitors later confirmed these claims.
In March 2024, Russia vetoed the renewal of the UN panel tasked with monitoring sanctions imposed on North Korea. This move further weakened international efforts to curb North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
In May 2024, the US and Britain imposed sanctions on Russian entities accused of facilitating arms transfers with North Korea. The sanctions are aimed at deterring Russia from obtaining weapons from North Korea, further intensifying the already strained relations with the West.
Putin’s upcoming visit to North Korea, his second in less than five years, underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. It is expected to focus on strengthening their military alliance and potentially deepening cooperation in other areas, further challenging the US and its allies.
