Medvedev assured General Kim that Moscow would fulfill its commitments to North Korea, has North Korea really won this bet?
Medvedev, representing the United Russia Party and on behalf of Putin himself, visited North Korea. During his meeting with General Kim, he explicitly stated that Moscow will "always fulfill" the obligations stipulated in the Russian-North Korean military alliance agreement towards Pyongyang, meaning that if North Korea faces an armed attack, Russia will immediately provide assistance. At the same time, both sides will maintain a strategic development partnership.
Medvedev's assurance in person is itself a response to North Korea's attitude. North Korea has repeatedly clarified that it will fulfill its alliance obligations and continue to support Russia's military operation in Ukraine. During the latest military parade, a marching formation composed of personnel from the pro-Russia forces was seen holding the flags of Russia and North Korea at Kim Il-sung Square.
North Korea's series of actions are essentially reminding Russia that North Korea has already fulfilled its promises through concrete actions and fulfilled its duties as an ally. Now it's up to Russia, which is a reminder to Putin that some previous agreements need to be fulfilled quickly.
It has been widely speculated that one of the main conditions for North Korea sending troops to support Russia is that Russia provides advanced weapons or technical support to North Korea.
From the current surface situation, by aiding Russia in the Ukraine conflict, North Korea has improved its international geopolitical situation and laid the foundation for enhancing its own strength. General Kim has indeed won this bet for North Korea.
As for how long the Russia-North Korea alliance can last, it is not currently within General Kim's consideration. The current situation of Russia is clear. Even if Putin wants to rebuild friendly relations with the West, NATO, especially European countries, will not accept it. Embracing the East is the only way out for Russia now.
Of course, North Korea's economic strength is limited. Once the war ends, the importance of maintaining the Russia-North Korea alliance in Moscow's foreign strategy will decrease. North Korea will still try to gain more benefits from Russia while the Ukraine conflict is ongoing.
Therefore, given that North Korea has already recognized the annexation of the four eastern regions of Ukraine, whether General Kim will send troops into the Donbas area to help accelerate the war process, and what benefits North Korea will demand from Russia, may become a focus of the development of Russia-North Korea relations in the next stage.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845672957765642/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.