Putin Calls for North Korea and China to Join Ukraine Ceasefire Discussions
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Ukraine could be under temporary administration as part of peace talks, potentially involving North Korea. Reports indicate North Korea has sent additional troops to support Russia, alongside providing military equipment. A US-brokered ceasefire is contingent on lifting sanctions against Russia. Preparations for Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia signal deeper ties between the two countries amid ongoing military cooperation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Ukraine may be governed under a temporary administration as part of a potential peace agreement, which could involve assistance from North Korea and other allies of Moscow. This statement followed reports from South Korea indicating that North Korea has dispatched additional troops to support Russia. Putin emphasized that the peace process could include not only the United States, but also all BRICS nations and North Korea.
The tentative ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, aims to halt hostilities in the Black Sea while ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels. Russia’s participation is dependent on lifting certain Western sanctions that impact its agricultural exports, a request met with skepticism from European leaders, who believe the timing is inappropriate.
North Korea’s reported military involvement in Ukraine has included the deployment of up to 12,000 troops and the provision of ballistic missiles, marking a significant foreign military engagement since the 1950s. Although these claims remain unconfirmed by Russia and North Korea, South Korea’s military has indicated that North Korea has sent an additional 3,000 soldiers to Russia this year, amid ongoing military support.
In terms of military equipment, North Korea is supplying missiles, artillery, and ammunition to Russia, including substantial quantities of short-range ballistic missiles and self-propelled howitzers. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported on North Korea’s military developments, including potential upgrades for a military spy satellite, although a launch is not imminent. They also noted a decrease in winter military training, attributing it to troop mobilization for various projects and energy shortages.
Furthermore, the JCS has unveiled that North Korea has developed its first airborne radar system and artificial intelligence-equipped suicide drones, suggesting that technical exchanges with Russia are occurring as North Korean troops engage in the conflict. Moscow’s deputy foreign minister, Andrey Rudenko, announced preparations for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s upcoming visit to Russia, signaling further strengthening of ties between the two nations. This would mark Kim’s third official visit to Russia after previous engagements in 2019 and 2023.
In summary, President Putin’s statements reflect a potential shift in peace negotiations for Ukraine, incorporating North Korea and other allies into discussions. The ongoing military support from North Korea to Russia, alongside growing bilateral relations, underscores a critical juncture in international alliances amid the conflict. Moreover, North Korea’s advancement in military technology indicates a deepening collaboration between Pyongyang and Moscow, highlighting the geopolitical ramifications of the war. The situation remains fluid, with various stakeholders weighing their responses and strategies moving forward.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
