In a recent meeting at the Vostochny cosmodrome, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un discussed potential collaboration in rocket technology and space development. Putin highlighted North Korea’s keen interest in these areas during a tour of the cosmodrome.
Post-negotiations, Putin mentioned the possibility of military cooperation between the two nations. He stated, “While there are certain restrictions, and Russia adheres to them, there are areas we can discuss and explore. There are prospects.”
Akhmed Marzanov, a sanctions lawyer from the Delcredere Bar Association, pointed out that the current UN sanctions against North Korea significantly restrict its space program and its ability to collaborate with other countries. For aerospace engineering cooperation, either nation would need to seek individual permission from the Security Council’s Sanctions Committee. The same rule applies to establishing joint ventures in space activities.
Marzanov emphasized that such permissions would only be granted if they align with the objectives of the current sanctions regime. The 2009 UN Security Council Resolution 1874, enacted after North Korea’s second nuclear test, imposed sanctions including a weapons import ban from the DPRK.
Dmitry Peskov, Presidential press secretary, commented that Russia aims to foster beneficial relations with its neighbors, including discussions on sensitive areas like military interaction.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned North Korea against supplying weapons to Russia. Despite ongoing speculations in Western media about DPRK’s ammunition supply to Russia, concrete evidence remains elusive. South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Su-seok mentioned Seoul’s close communication with Moscow and their monitoring of Kim Jong-un’s visit.
Ivan Timofeev, director of the Russian International Affairs Council, noted the classified nature of military-technical cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. He believes that the threat of new sanctions for collaborating with Pyongyang might not deter Moscow significantly.
Timofeev also mentioned that any actions against the sanctions regime, which Russia participated in establishing, could harm its reputation. He emphasized Russia’s potential to influence security in Northeast Asia and suggested that increased cooperation could help Pyongyang reduce its reliance on China.
Alexander Vorontsov, from the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, believes that despite the sanctions on North Korea, both countries can find ways to cooperate with minimal risk. He reiterated Russia’s respect for UN Security Council resolutions but acknowledged the potential for establishing new communication channels with the DPRK.
