Kim Jong-un and Troops to Miss Russia’s Victory Day Celebrations Amid Military Ties

Kim Jong-un will not attend Russia’s Victory Day on May 9, despite increasing military ties. Russian aide confirms ambassadorial representation for North Korea. Kim continues military factory inspections, signaling ongoing support for Russian efforts in Ukraine, as diplomatic dynamics evolve.

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un and his forces will not be present at Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, as confirmed by the Kremlin. This announcement comes despite ongoing speculation about Kim’s potential appearance alongside various global leaders in Moscow. The absence highlights a notable point in the context of North Korea’s evolving military cooperation with Russia, even as Kim continues to conduct inspections at local weapons factories.

According to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, while Kim will not attend, North Korea will have representation at the ambassadorial level. He mentioned that there could be a future meeting involving Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, although details remain scarce. A noteworthy point is that 29 foreign leaders are set to join the Victory Day Parade in Moscow, from nations including Belarus, China, and Brazil, among others.

Historically, no North Korean leader has participated in Russia’s May 9 military parade nor has the nation sent troops to such events abroad. The previous delegations to past Victory Day commemorations were led by other high-ranking officials, but Kim Jong-un has notably avoided such multilateral gatherings, a divergence from the practices of his grandfather, Kim Il-sung.

Interestingly, expectations had risen regarding Kim’s participation after recent admissions from both North Korean and Russian sources about the involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict—marking the first acknowledgment of casualties on that front. Ushakov went on to clarify that North Korean soldiers will not be part of the military showcase, emphasizing the attendance of other nations without mentioning North Korea.

In lieu of attending the parade, Kim has prioritized inspecting his country’s military production facilities. Reports from North Korean state media indicate that he is actively overseeing munitions production, pointing to a strategy aimed at bolstering military supply capabilities. One expert from Kyungnam University posited that Kim’s factory visits are crucial for improving logistical operations to support troop deployments and armaments for upcoming joint efforts with Russia.

There is a focus on increasing artillery shell production as highlighted in state media, which Lim Eul-chul from the Institute for Far Eastern Studies suggests is directly linked to North Korea’s military backing for Russia in the ongoing war. Lim described the production ramps as intended to meet battlefield demands while securing technology and currency through military collaboration with the Kremlin.

On another note, state media recently unveiled a tank, the M2024, which is believed to be an upgraded model designed to address contemporary combat experiences, particularly in light of lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict. Experts underline that this shift illustrates a growing emphasis on armored vehicles and rapid deployment capabilities, mirroring the changing dynamics of warfare today.

The absence of Kim Jong-un and North Korean troops from Russia’s Victory Day celebrations marks a significant diplomatic move against the backdrop of deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia. While the Kremlin confirms ambassadorial representation from Pyongyang, Kim’s ongoing inspections of military factories indicate a robust commitment to sustaining arms production, likely in support of Russia’s military activities. This situation underscores a complex interplay of military cooperation and diplomatic nuance as both nations navigate contemporary geopolitical challenges.

Original Source: asianews.network