As we reported, a meeting between Putin and his colleague Kim Jong Un took place in Russia last week after a long absence. At the meeting, certain contributions were made regarding the re-restoration of the alliance and the increase of cooperation in the political and economic spheres. The United States has clearly expressed its concern about the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

What is the reason for this? Are nuclear weapons one of the main reasons?

Speaking to Ednews about the issue, British expert Neil Watson stressed that the West's concern stems from the lack of information about North Korea:

"It is my understanding that the US and the entire western world is inherently concerned about the reassertion of ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, particularly in the military sphere. Firstly, it must be borne in mind that the Korean War was never actually resolved - there was a ceasefire, but the risk of reignition between North and South Korea and, by proxy, between Russia and the US, has remained unabated. However, the main issue here is that the meeting has focused exclusively on military cooperation. One of the most oft-repeated phrases in relation to North Korea is that the west is unaware of the extent of their arsenal and whether they have nuclear weapons. North Korea is the most secretive state in the world. International media is banned, the only visits are state-sanctioned and North Koreans can never travel without state approval. The country is not a signatory to any international arms agreements and the only information we have is assessed from drone surveillance photos. The fact is that Russia and North Korea are involved in separate conflicts with the west, which regards them both as pariah states". 

The expert also emphasized that the war in Ukraine will not end soon considering this cooperation.

"Official Pyongyang has said that it can supply munitions to assist Russia in its war with Ukraine. Reciprocallly, North Korea is seeking Russian weapons technology that could be used to modernise its airforce, spy satellites and technical assistance with its ballistic missile programme. During his visit, Kim saw the latest Russian fighter planes, missiles and drones. Today, Belarus has also suggested that it would like a trilateral Moscow-Pyongyang-Minsk alliance to be established. This alliance is of great concern to the west, as a whole. Russia is completely unconcerned about the UN ban forbidding arms collaboration with North Korea. Both states are desperate and in isolation, due to their ongoing agression. They have a shared history and shared enemy. And therefore it is logical that they collaborate and pool resources. One point is very clear - the Russo-Ukrainian War will not end any time soon".

Akbar Novruz