Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on diplomatic visits to North Korea and Vietnam in the coming weeks, according to reports from the Vedomosti newspaper. While the Kremlin has yet to confirm the specific dates, preparations for Putin’s visit to Pyongyang are reportedly underway, with active coordination from Russian diplomats.
The potential visit to Vietnam may follow shortly after the North Korea trip. Putin’s engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could potentially address issues such as cooperation in satellite development and discussions on bringing in North Korean migrant workers to address labor shortages in Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. These diplomatic moves underline Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with nations like North Korea and Vietnam, a trend that has raised concerns in Western circles amidst heightened geopolitical tensions.