Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday for discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the two countries announced. This marks Putin’s second visit to North Korea since his first trip in July 2000.
Timeline of Key Events in Russia-North Korea Relations Over Two Decades:
July 2000:
Putin visits North Korea during his first year as president, meeting with Kim Jong Il, the father of the current North Korean leader. This marks Putin’s first visit to the country.
Oct. 14, 2006 – Dec. 22, 2017:
Over a span of more than a decade, Russia supports nine major U.N. Security Council resolutions against North Korea. These include bans on weapons trade, missile technology transfers, and luxury goods shipments to Pyongyang.
April 25, 2019:
Putin and Kim Jong Un hold their first summit in Vladivostok, located in the Russian Far East.
February 2020:
North Korea closes its borders with Russia and China due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Russian diplomats resort to using a hand-pushed rail trolley to cross the frontier.
Feb. 24, 2022:
Russia invades Ukraine. North Korea expresses support for Moscow, attributing the conflict to the “hegemonic policy” of the United States and its allies.
May 26, 2022:
Russia and China veto a U.S.-proposed U.N. resolution that would have imposed additional sanctions on North Korea, including bans on tobacco and oil imports.
July 25, 2023:
Russia’s Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, visits Pyongyang and is shown North Korea’s banned ballistic missiles by Kim Jong Un.
Sept. 13, 2023:
Kim visits the Russian Far East for a second summit with Putin, discussing military cooperation, the Ukraine war, and satellite technology support.
Oct. 13, 2023:
The U.S. accuses North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia. Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny these allegations.
Nov. 21, 2023:
North Korea successfully launches its first spy satellite. South Korea speculates that Russia might have provided technical assistance.
Jan. 4, 2024:
The U.S. claims that Russia has used short-range ballistic missiles from North Korea in attacks against Ukraine, which is later corroborated by independent experts and U.N. monitors.
March 28, 2024:
Russia vetoes the renewal of the U.N. panel monitoring sanctions on North Korea related to its nuclear and missile programs.
May 16-17, 2024:
The U.S. and the UK impose sanctions on Russian entities allegedly involved in arms transfers with North Korea.
June 18-19, 2024:
Putin’s upcoming visit to North Korea for his second summit with Kim Jong Un.
This visit underscores the strengthening alliance between Russia and North Korea amidst increasing geopolitical strains, particularly with the West.
17th Jun 2024
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