MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Sochi, where Lukashenko proposed the idea of Minsk joining Moscow’s efforts to revive an old alliance with North Korea.
During the meeting, Putin mentioned that he would brief Lukashenko about the discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that took place this week at the Vostochny spaceport in Russia’s Far East. He also highlighted the importance of discussing the situation in Ukraine.
In response, Lukashenko suggested the possibility of three-way cooperation involving Russia, Belarus, and North Korea. He expressed his belief that Belarus could contribute to such cooperation.
Kim Jong Un continued his visit by touring an aircraft factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur to inspect the latest Russian fighter jets. He is scheduled to arrive in Vladivostok, where he will visit the Russian Pacific Fleet warships and a university.
The United States and its allies are concerned that Kim might supply ammunition to Russia for use in Ukraine in exchange for advanced weapons or technology from Moscow, which would violate UN sanctions prohibiting arms trade with North Korea. Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to abiding by these sanctions while also exploring opportunities for further developing Russian-North Korean relations.
The meeting between Putin and Lukashenko marked their seventh meeting this year. Belarus has allowed Russian troops to be stationed on its territory but has refrained from direct involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, it has positioned itself as a military hub for Russia, seeking to offset the effects of Western sanctions and the closure of Western markets.
Belarusian analyst Valery Karbalevich noted Lukashenko’s approach, emphasizing that Belarus aims to profit from its cooperation with Russia in military matters without committing its troops to the Ukrainian conflict.
This meeting underscores the evolving dynamics in the region and the potential for new partnerships and alliances among countries.
