The Russian and North Korean leaders are set to meet. Why, and why now?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin are poised to convene their first summit since 2019, signifying a potential warming of relations between the two nations. This anticipated meeting is set to take place on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, an annual event held in Vladivostok, Russia, extending through Wednesday. South Korean analysts suggest that Putin and Kim's summit may occur on the final day of the forum.

Kim's entry into Russian territory was confirmed by the Russian state news agency RIA. Although Vladivostok is the expected location for their meeting, an announcement indicating Putin's visit to Russia's primary spaceport, the Vostochny Cosmodrome, led to speculation that they might convene there instead.

Remarkably, this marks Kim Jong Un's first internationally known trip since the implementation of strict pandemic-related border closures in early 2020. The agenda for their meeting is anticipated to encompass a variety of topics, including discussions on weaponry, labor exchange programs, and food transfers. Notably, both countries share common interests in reducing U.S. influence in the region, which is expected to be a focal point of their discussions.

One of the pivotal discussion points during the summit will likely revolve around the possibility of weapons deals between North Korea and Russia. This development follows months of U.S. intelligence assessments indicating North Korea's sales of weaponry to Russia to support Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine.

The summit underscores the growing alignment of interests between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, particularly in their respective standoffs with the United States. North Korea's overt support for Russia since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine has been evident, as it has refrained from condemning Russia's actions and even expressed support for the annexation of parts of Ukraine.

For Russia, the primary objective is to secure ammunition from North Korea's stockpiles as its own reserves have dwindled due to the protracted conflict in Ukraine. Moscow is also keen on gaining access to North Korea's capacity for ammunition production, along with specific artillery platforms and rocket launchers.

Conversely, Kim Jong Un is expected to seek economic aid, food assistance, and technical support to expand North Korea's weaponry arsenal. The nation's pandemic-induced isolation has deepened its economic hardships and food insecurity. North Korea has imported substantial quantities of wheat flour from Russia this year, with the possibility of more aid following the summit.

Moreover, Kim may explore opportunities to send additional North Korean laborers to Russia, where they can earn foreign currency crucial for the regime's finances. This labor force typically engages in manual jobs such as construction and forestry.

The potential for technological support from Russia is also on the table, as North Korea seeks to develop new weapons systems. This raises concerns about an increased level of cooperation between the two nations against the U.S. and its allies. Particular attention is being drawn to missile technology transfers, prompting apprehensions about the proliferation of advanced weaponry.

While there has been speculation about Russia potentially lifting sanctions against North Korea, this scenario remains unlikely, as Moscow may want to maintain certain technological advantages, particularly in the field of satellites.

In summary, the forthcoming summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin encompasses a diverse array of complex issues, spanning arms agreements, economic assistance, labor exchanges, and potential technological collaboration. This meeting underscores their shared interests in countering U.S. influence in the region while addressing the pressing challenges they face on the domestic front.