North Korean Military Withdrawal Imminent? Putin Talks with Kim Jong-un Ahead of Armistice Talks

[Financial News] The possibility of the withdrawal of over 10,000 North Korean troops deployed to the Ukraine-Russia war is emerging following the summit between the United States and Russia.
The final decision on the withdrawal of North Korean troops is expected to be made based on the outcome of the armistice talks between President Donald Trump and President Putin of Russia, which will be held on the 15th (local time) in Anchorage, Alaska.
North Korean troops have been operating near the Ukraine-Russia border, filling the gap in Russian forces. Additionally, North Korea has been considering the option of deploying tens of thousands more troops as the war drags on.
According to the Kremlin on the 12th, President Putin had a phone conversation with Chairman Kim Jong-un of North Korea's State Affairs Commission, sharing information on future activities of North Korean troops.
The Kremlin reported that President Putin shared information with Chairman Kim regarding the upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump of the United States. However, it was not confirmed whether discussions on the withdrawal of North Korean troops took place.
The armistice talks between the leaders of the United States and Russia, scheduled for the 15th, were finalized following the visit of Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, to Russia on the 6th.
President Putin has shared the contents of his meeting with Envoy Witkoff not only with Chairman Kim but also with Xi Jinping, President of China, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and allied countries.
According to the Kremlin, during the call, President Putin and Chairman Kim reaffirmed their commitment to further develop friendly, neighborly, and cooperative relations in all fields, in accordance with the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea signed in Pyongyang on June 19 last year.
The Kremlin stated, "President Putin expressed gratitude to Chairman Kim for the support provided by North Korea and the courage, heroism, and dedication shown by North Korean troops during the liberation of the Kursk territory, which was invaded by Ukraine."
The Kremlin added that President Putin and Chairman Kim agreed to continue personal contact. It has been suggested that Chairman Kim, who accepted President Putin's invitation to visit Russia, may visit Russia this year.
President Putin conveyed congratulations to Chairman Kim on North Korea's upcoming 80th Liberation Day on the 15th, and Chairman Kim emphasized the role played by the Soviet Red Army during North Korea's struggle against invaders, according to the Kremlin.
North Korean troops have been conducting operations in major battle areas, including the Kursk region near the Russia-Ukraine border, as well as Donetsk and Luhansk. North Korean troops have been wearing Russian uniforms and cooperating with Russian forces in engagements with Ukrainian forces. Initially, due to a lack of combat experience, they suffered thousands of casualties, but subsequently strengthened their combat capabilities, posing a threat to Ukrainian forces.





rainman@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Kyung-soo