Kremlin’s ties with Pyongyang attracts scrutiny

January 22, 2024

NEW DELHI – In the intricacies of geopolitics, the recent develop- ments in Russia’s relationship with North Korea raise eyebrows and prompt questions about the motiva- tions behind this seemingly strategic alliance. The Kremlin’s assertion that ties are flourishing in all areas, including “sensitive” ones, fuels speculation and invites scrutiny from global observers. The timing of these developments is noteworthy. As tensions between Rus- sia and the West escalate over the conflict in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin appears to have found an unlikely partner in North Korea. Russia’s courting of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the deepening of ties between Moscow and Pyongyang present a com- plex geopolitical manoeuvre. The historical context of the Russia-North Korea relationship cannot be over- looked. Formed in 1948 with the backing of the Soviet Union, the country’s recent emphasis on military ties underscores a revival of this historical connection. However, it’s the expansion into “sensitive” areas that piques interest and raises concerns. What lies beneath the surface of these diplomatic exchanges, and what is the true extent of collaboration in those sensitive domains? The statement from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlights the importance of North Korea as a partner. The phrase “including in sensitive areas” is deliberately vague, leaving room for interpre- tation and speculation. Could this involve shared intel- ligence, technology transfer, or even collaboration on nuclear capabilities? The lack of transparency fuels uncertainty and adds a layer of intrigue to this geopo- litical tango.

The international community has not been shy in expressing reservations about Pyongyang’s