Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un expected to discuss possibility of alternative denuclearisation talks
Vladimir Putin is gearing up for talks with Kim Jong-un today as Moscow seeks to carve out a role for itself in ongoing negotiations over Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities.
The Kremlin is concerned about being left out of any US-led deal and is working to implement its own talks. A Russian-led process could see a more phased approach to denuclearisation and some sanctions relief.
Following the failure of the second round of US-North Korea talks in Hanoi in late February, doubts have emerged about Washington’s ability to secure a complete denuclearisation deal in exchange for sanctions relief. On the 21st, Pyongyang announced it had tested new ‘guided tactical weapons’ and has refused to hold further talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, blaming him for the breakdown.
It is unclear that a Kremlin-led process could be successful without the support of Russia and China. While Beijing is likely to support a Russian push for phased denuclearisation and sanctions relief, it is unlikely to succeed in lifting UN Security Council sanctions on its own. Moscow will therefore need additional support if Putin’s efforts are to succeed.
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