North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships today Saturday September 16, 2023.
Kim was greeted in Russia’s Knevichi airfield, about 30 miles from the Pacific city of Vladivostok, by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
The U.S. and South Korea fear deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang could give Kim access to some of Russia’s sensitive missile technology, while helping arm Russia.
Oleg Kozhemyako telegram channel via AP
“It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again,” Shoigu told Kim of one aircraft, during the visit.
Mr Shoigu showed him the MiG-31I supersonic interceptor aircraft equipped with “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles – an air-launched ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads.
Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP
Why the fanfare: Russia has gone out of its way to publicise Kim’s visit and drop repeated hints about the prospect of military cooperation with North Korea.
For Mr Putin, who says Moscow is locked in an existential battle with the West, courting Kim allows him to needle Washington and its Asian allies while potentially securing a supply of artillery for the Ukraine war.
@Sky News
