Weapons exchanged for food: expert on Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia

He expressed this opinion on the Espreso TV channel

"North Korean Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia is aimed at transferring ammunition depots. These may be Soviet munitions, as well as some of their own developments. Unfortunately, North Korea has the capability to produce its own ammunition. In fact, it will be an exchange of weapons for food. Because we shouldn't forget that for 4 years in a row, the DPRK has been suffering not just from a lack of resources, but North Korea also has big problems with food," Kraiev explained.

The expert also suggested that Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia may be connected with the cooperation between Russia and the DPRK in the nuclear field.

"Russia, which is a large resource country, will somehow find food for North Korea. For Russia, the DPRK is a great partner, and they will exchange food for Korean weapons. This is the most realistic scenario. Of course, the Russians will also use this for propaganda purposes. We should also not forget about another possible scenario. In particular, the development of cooperation between Russia and the DPRK in the nuclear field. After all, we know perfectly well that nuclear weapons are a manipulative blackmail factor for two dictators," he added.

More details on cooperation between Russia and the DPRK

Earlier, White House spokesman John Kirby said that talks between Russia and the DPRK on military cooperation were "actively progressing."

In July, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited the DPRK and met with his North Korean counterpart, among others.

In early August, the White House accused Russia of trying to buy munitions from the DPRK.

Oleksandr Musienko, head of the Center for Military Legal Studies, said that Russia has problems with the military and industrial complex, so Moscow is turning to the DPRK and Iran for help. According to him, Ukraine must be prepared for North Korea to supply weapons to Russia.

On August 18, it became known that US President Joe Biden was ready to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "without preconditions" to discuss the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

On August 31, the United States imposed sanctions on two Russian citizens over the development of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles for the DPRK.

On September 4, The New York Times reported, citing US and allied officials, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to visit Russia in September and meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss military cooperation.

On September 11, the North Korean leader had travelled by train to Vladivostok to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin confirmed Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia "in the coming days".

On September 12, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's armored train arrived in Russia. The DPRK dictator is expected to meet with Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok.