At a remote Siberian rocket launch facility, the leaders of Russia and North Korea held a summit to discuss their growing confrontations with the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a satellite launch facility, indicating Kim’s interest in Russian technical assistance for developing military reconnaissance satellites.

Kim Jong Un expressed a keen interest in rocket technology and his desire to enhance the threat of North Korea’s nuclear-capable missiles. Russia has been approached to assist in building satellites, to which Putin responded positively. The leaders will engage in talks about military cooperation and other relevant issues.

The meeting comes after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles towards the sea, continuing its weapons testing spree. This provides Kim an opportunity to accelerate his weapons development amidst Putin’s war on Ukraine. The missiles’ range and impact have not been immediately disclosed.

Experts suggest that North Korea possesses a significant stockpile of aging artillery shells and rockets that are based on Soviet designs. These weapons could potentially aid the Russian army in Ukraine. Kim Jong Un is also likely to request energy supplies and food.

Despite the potential violations of international sanctions, Kim hopes that the meeting will offer economic aid and military technology. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko stated that discussions about humanitarian aid may also take place between the two countries.

Amidst Kim’s visit, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lim Soo-suk, emphasized the importance of adhering to UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea and refraining from engaging in any military cooperation that undermines international peace and stability.