USA “Concerned” Ahead of Putin’s North Korea Visit
The United States is expressing “concern” about the deepening relationship between North Korea and Russia. The Ukrainian military reports successes against air defense in Crimea. Read about the latest developments from Monday.
USA “Concerned” Ahead of Putin’s North Korea Visit
The USA is expressing “concern” about the growing ties between North Korea and Russia. With Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin set to visit Pyongyang, the White House in Washington stated, “We are not concerned about this trip. However, what does concern us is the deepening relationship between both countries.”
Earlier, the Kremlin and North Korean state media announced that Putin would embark on a two-day “friendly state visit” to the communist nation on Tuesday. Russian state news agencies quoted Putin’s diplomatic adviser Yuri Ushakov as saying that several documents would be signed, including “important, very significant documents”.
According to John Kirby, National Security Council spokesperson, the USA is worried about the potential impact of the strengthened alliance between the two nations “on the Ukrainian people”. It is noted that ballistic missiles from North Korea could be utilized by the Russian military for attacks. Kirby also expressed concerns about how there might be interactions that “could jeopardize security on the Korean peninsula”.
Ukrainian President Zelensky Takes First Step Towards Peace
Following the international Ukraine peace conference over the weekend in Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has positively assessed the outcomes. In his evening video address, Zelensky stated they have taken the “first tangible step towards peace – in unity unseen before in the world”. He mentioned the need for further steps and revealed a preliminary work plan for the upcoming summer months. Zelensky emphasized their commitment to active communication with partners, underlining Ukraine’s desire for a fair peace, recognizing that it is achievable.
German Historical Institute in Moscow Deemed Unwelcome
The Russian authorities have declared the German Historical Institute in Moscow an unwelcome organization. The Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation included the institute in the list of foreign and international NGOs deemed unwelcome in Russia. Although the DHI ceased its activities in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its library remains accessible by appointment only.
Stoltenberg Advocates for Increased Arms to Kiev, Criticizes China
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, while in Washington, advocated for increased arms deliveries to Ukraine and criticized China’s actions amidst the Russian aggression. Stoltenberg highlighted the paradoxical concept that “the path to peace leads through more weapons for Ukraine” ahead of a meeting with US President Joe Biden. He stressed the necessity for “credible and enduring” support for the Kyiv government.
Addressing China’s role, Stoltenberg mentioned their claimed neutrality aiming to avoid sanctions and maintain trade, suggesting that China fuels the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II while striving to uphold good relations with the West.
Ukraine: Russia Intensifies Attacks Ahead of F-16 Fighter Jets Delivery
According to Ukraine’s assessment, Russia is escalating its attacks in response to the anticipated deliveries of fighter jets and additional military aid from Western countries to Kyiv. Ukrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Syrsky stated that Moscow is fully aware that the forthcoming supplies and arrival of F-16 fighter jets will shift the tide in Ukraine’s favor, prompting Russia to ramp up efforts to expand the conflict. Russian forces have been steadily advancing in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region and further south. Kyiv is struggling with defense, citing shortages of soldiers and ammunition.
Kremlin: Putin to Visit North Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea on Tuesday. The Kremlin and North Korean state media announced that Putin would undertake a two-day “friendly state visit” to the diplomatically isolated country. Following his North Korea visit, Russia’s president will travel for a two-day visit to Vietnam to enhance the “comprehensive strategic partnership” between Moscow and Hanoi.
Putin’s trip to North Korea marks a rare diplomatic visit to the secluded nation, which has been accused of supporting Russia in its war in Ukraine through arms deliveries. Putin’s visit is at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In Vietnam, the Russian president aims to strengthen ties with Hanoi.
Peskov: Stoltenberg’s Comments on Nuclear Weapons are Provocative
Russia views NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s remarks on potential deployment of additional nuclear weapons as provocative. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, deemed it as a further escalation of tensions. Stoltenberg’s statements, discussing the positioning of more nuclear weapons and readiness levels, contradict the Ukraine conference communiqué, stated Peskov, emphasizing that any use or threat of nuclear weapons related to Ukraine is unacceptable.
Ukraine Fails to Reach Agreement with Creditors
Ukraine has not reached an agreement with creditors in negotiations, failing to avert the risk of insolvency. Talks with a group of bondholders on restructuring around $20 billion of international debts did not result in a resolution. The urgency arises as a two-year payment moratorium set to expire on August 1, agreed upon due to the country’s economic struggles resulting from Russian aggression.
Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko stated that discussions will continue, expressing hope for a government settlement by August. The war-torn country has been exploring debt restructuring plans with major investors since late 2023.
Denmark Considers Restricting Shadow Fleet of Russian Oil Tankers
Denmark is exploring options to limit the passage of old tankers carrying Russian oil through the Baltic Sea. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen mentioned forming a group with allied nations to examine measures against the so-called shadow fleet of aging ships transporting Russian oil. A third of Russian oil exports transit through the Danish strait, which serves as a gateway to the Baltic Sea, comprising approximately 1.5% of global oil deliveries. Disrupting these shipments could escalate oil prices and strain the Kremlin’s finances.
Russia Threatens Tougher Peace Conditions
Russian Foreign Intelligence Chief Sergey Naryshkin warns of imposing harsher conditions for peace with Ukraine. Naryshkin stated that if President Vladimir Putin’s proposed peace terms are rejected, subsequent conditions will be more stringent. Putin recently stated that Russia would cease hostilities if Ukraine abandoned NATO aspirations and pulled its forces from the four regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—claimed by Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Putin’s remarks as untrustworthy.