Kim Jong-un and Troops Skip Russia’s Victory Day Amid Deepening Military Ties

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his troops will not attend Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations, confirmed by the Kremlin. Instead, North Korea will send a delegation at the ambassadorial level. Analysts interpret Kim’s domestic weapons factory inspections as a commitment to support Russia’s military operations. Notably, no North Korean leader has attended this event in the past, highlighting a unique diplomatic situation.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his military forces will not attend the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Russia, as confirmed by the Kremlin. This announcement comes amidst increasing speculation regarding whether Kim would be present alongside various world leaders in Red Square while Pyongyang strengthens its military ties with Moscow. In Seoul, analysts perceive Kim’s activities at domestic weapons facilities as indicative of North Korea’s commitment to supporting Russia’s military initiatives.

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov informed the media on Tuesday that, although Kim’s attendance was off the table, North Korea intends to send a delegation at the ambassadorial level. While there was no outright dismissal of a potential meeting between Kim and President Vladimir Putin, Ushakov said, “There will be another interesting meeting, which you will learn about a little later.” This cryptic remark raises questions about future dynamics between the two nations.

A total of 29 foreign leaders are expected to attend the celebrations in Moscow, representing countries like Belarus, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, and Venezuela. Notably, no North Korean leader has ever participated in Russia’s May 9 military parade, nor has North Korea ever sent troops to international military events. However, in the past, the North has sent delegations for significant anniversaries. For instance, in 2015, Kim Yong-nam represented North Korea at the 70th anniversary of Victory Day.

Kim Jong-un, who follows in the footsteps of his predecessor father, Kim Jong-il, has avoided multilateral events. In contrast, North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-sung, actively participated in international gatherings. Recently, heavy speculation surrounded the likelihood of Kim Jong-un attending the Victory Day celebrations, following public acknowledgments from both Putin and North Korean media regarding troop deployments and casualties of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine. This was a groundbreaking admission from both parties.

Ushakov also clarified that North Korean troops will not participate in the military parade, emphasizing that he had already disclosed the countries involved, which do not include North Korea. This situation is notable given Kim’s recent activities at domestic weapons facilities, indicating continued support for Russia’s endeavors.

State media reported on Kim’s engagements at key munitions factories under the Second Economy Commission, responsible for military production. While no specific dates for his visits were given, analysts suggest that this focus is aimed at securing logistical support for North Korean military deployments and supplying arms to Russia.

Lim Eul-chul from Kyungnam University highlighted how state media’s emphasis on artillery shell production indicates the urgency of meeting Russia’s military requirements. Not only is this tied to ongoing conflict in Ukraine, but it serves to enhance North Korea’s technological exchanges with Moscow. The recent reports suggest that the aim is to fortify North Korea’s military economy while possibly preparing for more extensive partnerships.

Additionally, reports surfaced regarding Kim’s inspection of a tank production facility, which reignited interest in military advancements. The M2024 tank shown in the inspection is believed to be a refined model reflecting lessons learned from modern combat scenarios in Ukraine, highlighting the North’s eagerness to adapt its technology. The focus on tank mobility and combat readiness reflects a broader strategy to modernize the North Korean military amidst increasing global tensions.

In summary, while Kim Jong-un and North Korean troops will be absent from Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, the ongoing military cooperation between the two nations is evident. The Kremlin’s confirmation of a lower-level delegation from North Korea, coupled with Kim’s active focus on weapons production, showcases a commitment to support Russia’s military efforts. Analysts interpret Kim’s inspections as a strategic move to enhance armament production as well as military logistics, further entwining North Korea’s military future with Russia’s wartime needs.

Original Source: asianews.network