Putin Strengthens Ties with Kim Jong Un Ahead of Trump Meeting

In a significant reaffirmation of collaboration, President Putin has strengthened his ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un just before his anticipated discussions with President Trump.

In a recent conversation held on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his "friendship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, coinciding with discussions about the upcoming talks with President Donald Trump. This declaration of camaraderie comes amidst troubling reports regarding the dire conditions faced by North Korean workers dispatched to Russia for construction projects, described as "slave-like" by the BBC.

According to the Kremlin's official statement, the two leaders have committed to deepening their "friendship relations" and enhancing cooperation. Putin took the opportunity during the dialogue to update Kim on preparations for the Alaska summit scheduled for Friday. While the Kremlin provided details on the discussions, there was no mention from North Korean officials about the impending meeting.

Putin also acknowledged Kim's military support for Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, commending the assistance provided during previous conflicts, particularly the brief invasion of Russia's Kursk region. Military operations in Ukraine have intensified, with notable advances recently observed near Dobropillia, highlighting the shifting dynamics of the conflict.

With the impending meeting with Trump being Putin's first face-to-face engagement with a U.S. president since the escalation of military actions in Ukraine in February 2022, this meeting bears significant geopolitical implications. The ongoing conflict has left Russia increasingly isolated on the global stage, while collaboration with North Korea has surged to unprecedented levels. Recent reports indicate that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have joined Russian forces, a move seen as a desperate measure due to the loss of manpower in the Kremlin's military ventures.

As both nations navigate these challenging waters, the reliance on North Korean labor is expected to grow, given that many Russian nationals are either fallen, engaged in fighting, or have fled the country in search of safety.