Putin arrives in North Korea for the first time in 24 years to thank it for its “steadfast support” in the Ukraine war.

the The welcoming ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin began on Wednesday in PyongyangAccording to the Russian RIA Novosti agency. The ceremony will be held at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, the scene of the North Korean regime’s main parades and celebrations, according to RIA Novosti, which published a photo of the square filled with people and decorated with balloons.

he Kremlin He described the two days that Putin will spend in the North Korean capital as a “friendly state visit.” It was Kim’s trip last year to Russia that contributed to the emergence of this harmony. Put it in He gave him a national limousine, violating international sanctions, and Kim He promised that his country would be Russia’s “invincible comrade-in-arms.” Putin thanked him this week in an article published by North Korea’s official news agency for his “steadfast support” in the war against Ukraine.

Putin has not returned to Pyongyang since 2000. Then he was not expelled Russia From the G8, he ordered Kim Jong Il, father of the current dictatorand there are still six years before the first North Korea’s nuclear test And two decades to perfect it Long range missiles. The first effect you are looking for Moscow It is a refutation of the isolation that the West declares: Putin will be received in Latin America, Africa or Asia, and after North Korea he will travel to Vietnam. but Russia He stressed that this visit goes beyond protocol and presents a hectic agenda. Put it in I landed with a And a large entourage of ministers and advisorsEspecially from the military area. He is accompanied, among others, by his new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Chief of Defense Staff Denis Manturov.

Graduation

Pyongyang, outside the traditional diplomatic circle, is also trying to give it a boost. Satellite images showed preparations underway Kim Il Sung SquareScene Famous military marchesThe soldiers practice their steps.

This was reinforced by Kim’s visit to Russia Bilateral trade. the South Korean intelligence servicesIt, which monitors the movement of containers between the 200 kilometers that separate the North Korean port of Nagin and the Russian port of Donae, estimated that they would have already left Pyongyang. 4.8 million ammunition. To put this number in context: the EU sent only half a million approved munitions to Ukraine last year. South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik revealed months ago that Northern factories serving Russia It is working “at full speed” to reverse the stoppages and the production being reduced from the rest due to power outages and lack of supplies. North Korean aid will not be decisive in the outcome of the war, but it will not be irrelevant either.

MoscowIn return, he shares it Military technology Especially what is related to it Long range missiles. This does not seem to be a coincidence north korea Months ago, it managed to put the first spy satellite into orbit after notable failures. Pyongyang And Moscow It strongly denies these military exchanges, while the United States warns of “A growing and dangerous relationship“Between both of them.

also Russia sent tons of food Through which Pyongyang was able to stabilize prices. north korea And Russia On Wednesday, they are scheduled to sign a new strategic alliance that will update and expand agreements signed between 1961 and 2001. The Kremlin has insisted that this alliance is not directed against any specific country, and that it aims only to ensure stability in Asia.