Russia-North Korea relations

July, 2000: President Vladimir Putin (left) visits North Korea in first year of his presidency and meets with Kim Jong Il, father of current leader

2006-17: Russia supports major UN Security Council resolutions penalizing North Korea over its nuclear weapons programme

Apr 25, 2019: Putin and Kim Jong Un (right) meet in Vladivostok, for their first summit


Feb 24, 2022: Russia invades Ukraine. North Korea backs Moscow, blaming “hegemonic policy” of U.S.

May 26, 2022: Russia and China veto U.S.-drafted resolution to impose more sanctions on North Korea over its intensifying missile tests

Jul 25, 2023: Russia’s then defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, attends military parade in Pyongyang showcasing long-range missiles capable of targeting U.S. mainland

Sep 13: Kim travels to Russian Far East for second summit with Putin

Oct 13: U.S. accuses North Korea of shipping over 1,000 containers of arms to Russia for use in Ukraine. Pyongyang and Moscow deny allegations

Nov 21: North Korea launches first successful spy satellite (right) into orbit. South Korea believes Russia gave technical support

Jan 4, 2024: U.S. says Russia has launched ballistic missiles produced in North Korea in strikes against Ukraine

Debris of short-range Hwasong-11A ballistic missile used in Jan 2 strike on Kharkiv

Mar 28: Russia vetoes renewal of UN panel tasked with monitoring sanctions imposed on North Korea related to its nuclear weapons

May 16-17: U.S. and UK impose sanctions on Russian entities over North Korea arms transfers

Jun 18-19: Putin visits North Korea for first time in 24 years. Both countries sign deal to help each other in case of “aggression”


Sources: AP, Reuters, BBC
Pictures: Newscom 
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