Putin Hosts Kim

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held an hourslong summit yesterday, a conversation reportedly largely focused on military support from North Korea for Russia's war in Ukraine. For the 39-year-old Kim, it was his first known trip outside the country since before the pandemic.

Analysts have speculated for months to what degree Russia—now in its 19th month of war—had depleted existing stockpiles of ammunition and weaponry. Earlier this year, officials estimated Russia may have used more than 10 million total rounds last year, at least five times more than its annual production capacity.

Conversely, North Korea is believed to hold millions of old rounds and Soviet-era missiles. The country would also benefit greatly from any financial support from Russia—the North Korea economy has contracted by almost 5% since 2020, with a GDP per capita around $1,000.

Western officials condemned the talks but did not specify any potential response to the meeting.

Photo: A South Korean army K1A1 tank fires during a joint live-fire exercise in Pocheon, South Korea.Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg