The Kremlin announced on January 15 that it would disclose any concrete information regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s potential visit to Russia in the first half of this year as soon as it becomes available.
During a press briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to questions about whether Kim’s visit is currently under discussion and if any preparations are underway. He states, “We will provide specific details as soon as concrete information emerges from the ongoing high-level contacts.”
Earlier, Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS reported that South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) had indicated during a closed-door meeting with the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee on January 13 that Kim may consider a visit to Russia in the first half of 2025.
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Kim following their summit in North Korea in June last year. There is speculation that Kim could visit Russia in May to attend the Victory Day celebrations commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Victory Day is observed annually on May 9.
Regarding the upcoming event, President Putin emphasized, “This year’s 80th anniversary carries immense significance.”
During a meeting of the Victory Organizing Committee chaired by President Putin to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov reported that military delegations from 19 friendly countries have been invited to participate in the Victory Day parade at Red Square. Among them, 10 countries, including seven former Soviet republics, have already confirmed their participation.
Although the specific list of confirmed countries was not disclosed, there is a possibility that North Korea is among them. Minister Belousov had previously visited North Korea in November last year and personally invited Kim Jong-un to send a military delegation for the parade.
Meanwhile, Peskov also commented on reports of progress in ceasefire discussions regarding the war in Gaza. He said, “Given the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza, we can only express cautious optimism,” while stressing the urgent need for a ceasefire. He added, “The situation continues to deteriorate, and the people of Gaza are suffering extreme hardships.”
BY YOUNGHYE HAN, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
