Putin arrives in North Korea, vowing to fight US-led sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday for his nation’s support in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and vowed to work together against U.S.-led sanctions.

Putin said he appreciated North Korea’s firm support of the war with Ukraine and said the countries would continue to “resolutely oppose” Western attempts to “hinder the establishment of a multipolar world order based on justice, mutual respect of sovereignty, considering each other’s interests.”

The Russian president’s remarks were published in an op-ed in North Korean state media hours before he arrived for a visit Tuesday, The Associated Press reported.

He’s expected to stay through Wednesday, his first trip to the country in 24 years.

Last week, the Biden administration announced hundreds of new measures aimed at choking off Russia’s ability to fund its war.

North Korea is under economic sanctions over its nuclear weapons programs from the U.N. Security Council.

Putin said Russia and North Korea will develop trade systems not controlled by the U.S. and oppose sanctions, which he called “illegal, unilateral restrictions,” the AP reported.

The two countries will also expand in tourism, culture and education, Putin said.

Russia launched its invasion into Ukraine more than two years ago. His visit raises concerns as North Korea supplies Russia with military equipment in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers including materials that can boost Pyongyang’s missile and space satellite sectors.

Iran has also provided explosive drones, and the U.S. says China has given technology to support Russia.

The duo first met in September when Kim visited Russia.

A military alliance between Russia and North Korea could spell trouble for President Biden in the election this fall as he faces mounting pressure about multiple foreign policy issues.

The U.S. has made no significant headway with the Kim regime since Biden has been in office, despite multiple offers to begin talks.

The meeting comes less than a week after Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bilateral security agreement and days after Ukraine rejected a Russian cease-fire proposal that would have required Zelensky’s country to give up territory and drop its goal becoming a NATO member nation.

Zelensky then headed to the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland over the weekend, where nations gathered to discuss a proposal going forward. Russia was not included in the conference.