Kim's Got Putin's Back Is This the World's Most Dangerous Bromance?

Kim Jong-un Pledges "Everything to Assist" Moscow After Putin Meeting in Beijing

In a significant geopolitical development, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has promised to do "everything I can to assist" Moscow, following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The meeting took place on the sidelines of China's grand military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The burgeoning alliance between North Korea and Russia has raised eyebrows globally, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin extended an invitation to Kim to visit Russia, a move laden with symbolic and strategic implications.

A Budding Alliance Forged in Geopolitical Turbulence:
The meeting highlights the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. North Korea's support for Russia in the war has been a subject of international scrutiny.

Key highlights of this evolving relationship include:

• Weapons and Troops: North Korea has reportedly provided Russia with weapons, including artillery shells and missiles.
• Fighters: Putin praised North Korean fighters for their "courageous and heroic" actions.
• Mutual Assistance Agreement: Last year, Russia and North Korea signed an agreement obligating them to provide "military and other assistance" if either is attacked.

This developing partnership contrasts sharply with the West's efforts to isolate Russia and pressure North Korea over its nuclear program.

A Gathering of Leaders:
The Beijing event marked what is believed to be the first time Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been in the same place together. The three leaders were seen walking side-by-side, underscoring the complex interplay of power dynamics in the region.

Ukraine's Perspective and International Response:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Putin of demonstrating "impunity" with renewed strikes on Ukraine. The recent attacks involved an estimated 500 drones and two dozen missiles targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities. Zelenskyy called for tougher sanctions on Moscow.

Putin's Stance on Peace Talks:
While Putin claimed that Russian forces were advancing on "all fronts," he also suggested the possibility of peace negotiations "if common sense prevails." However, his proposal to hold such talks in Moscow was quickly dismissed by Ukraine.

International Scrutiny and Potential Legal Ramifications:
Putin is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. There are growing calls for an arrest warrant to be issued against Kim Jong-un for aiding Russia's war efforts.

China's Balancing Act:
While Xi Jinping and Putin have declared a "limitless" partnership, analysts believe that Beijing is uneasy about Russia's war in Ukraine and North Korea's support. Xi is navigating a delicate balance, striving to maintain alliances while avoiding further sanctions from the US and its allies.

The deepening alliance between North Korea and Russia, underscored by Kim Jong-un's promise of assistance, presents a complex challenge to the international order. As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, the world watches closely to see how these relationships will evolve and what impact they will have on global stability. The invitation for Kim to visit Russia signals a potential deepening of this alliance, with uncertain consequences for the future.

Tags: Putin, Kim Jong-un, Russia, North Korea, Ukraine war, Xi Jinping, Beijing, Military parade, Zelenskyy, Russian troops

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/03/kim-jong-un-promises-to-do-everything-to-assist-moscow-vladimir-putin-russia-north-korea