Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, as both nations face increasing international scrutiny. This development comes ahead of Putin's scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, marking a significant diplomatic engagement since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Strengthening Alliances

In a recent conversation, Putin and Kim discussed the ongoing military cooperation between their countries, with North Korea reportedly sending over 10,000 troops to support Russia's efforts in the Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin praised North Korea's military contributions, highlighting the "bravery and heroism" of its soldiers. This collaboration underscores the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, as both nations navigate diplomatic isolation from the West.

Upcoming Alaska Summit

The upcoming summit in Alaska is expected to be a pivotal moment in US-Russia relations. Putin's meeting with Trump will be his first face-to-face encounter with a US president since the Ukraine invasion. The Kremlin has indicated that the talks will focus on various geopolitical issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably, North Korea's state media did not mention the summit in its reports, focusing instead on the bilateral discussions between Putin and Kim.

Ukraine's Stance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced strong opposition to any territorial concessions to Russia, emphasizing that security guarantees must accompany any peace negotiations. Zelenskyy, who will not attend the Alaska summit, is set to engage in virtual talks with European leaders and Trump to discuss strategies for pressuring Russia. He has expressed concerns that the summit could delay new US sanctions on Russia, which Trump had previously promised to impose if Putin continued the war.