Suchergebnisse

2023 witnessed a marked surge in contacts between Russia and the DPRK. Active mutual visits were the main event and the main surprise. In summer Russian defense minister Sergey Shoigu visited Pyongyang, in September North Korean leader Kim Jong-un came to Vladivostok to meet President Vladimir Putin, and in October Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov went to the DPRK.
After the COVID-induced break, the two countries' representatives met face to face to seek ways to develop bilateral relations in a new political reality. Moscow and Pyongyang are concerned about the US — South Korea — Japan trilateral alliance emerging in North East Asia. Besides, practical cooperation should reach a level worthy of neighbors who have converging foreign policy views. Also, the two parties are discussing how to organize their political cooperation in the future.
Now, in a changed world, Russia promises to block all new sanctions against the DPRK in the UN Security Council, but it does not mean Moscow will neglect its duties as a permanent member or ignore sanctions that are already in effect. The quest for available profitable cooperation formats may prove arduous, and possible options might include projects in the areas of logistics, tourism, etc. Still, it is highly unlikely that Russia receives or seeks arms supplies from the DPRK, like the West claims.

As the global confrontation intensifies, North Korea keeps close to traditionally like-minded actors, but Pyongyang may yet diversify their diplomatic options should the opportunity present itself. In the meantime, Russia should use this chance to flesh out our relations with the close neighbor.

Despite Asian countries' usually keeping at distance from European conflicts, Russian special military operation in Ukraine that started in February 2022 has influenced Russia's ties with the DPRK and the Republic of Korea. Whereas the DPRK openly supported Moscow, Seoul joined the West in condemning Russian actions. Still, a lot of finer details come to light when assessing real prospects of our bilateral relations with Korean neighbors.
Although Moscow and Pyongyang are en rapport politically, practical cooperation is negligible due to UNSC sanctions and strict restrictions North Korean authorities introduced to combat COVID-19. Seoul had introduced sanctions against Russia which resulted in Russia listing the Republic of Korea as an 'unfriendly state.' Still, South Korea is reluctant to dismantle their relations with Russia which would mean losing Russian market, assets and the country and access to Russian supplies. So, South Korean authorities and businesses have started a complex balancing act trying to reconcile increasing pressure from their 'senior ally' with own interests.

Russia should build relations with North and South Korea proceeding from our national interests and an understanding of objective factors that limit our interaction. It is important to identify and use new opportunities to work with our close neighbors and protect our ties amidst the crisis, since the new reality requires we use all means and assets to protect our interests.