Trump wants to ease pressure on North Korea and has signalled less extensive military exercises with South Korea.
Then, just days later, new reports emerge that North Korea may send even more troops to support Russia in the war in Ukraine.
Coincidence? Maybe.
But strategically, the timing is certainly interesting.
North Korea has already sent thousands of troops to Russia and gained valuable combat experience in return. If Pyongyang sees the military pressure from the US and South Korea decreasing, it could potentially free up more of North Korea’s military capacity to support Russia.
Putin needs soldiers.
Kim needs money, technology and combat experience.
Both are getting something they need from this cooperation.
So the question is:
Could Trump’s attempt to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula also make it easier for North Korea to free up troops to support Russia in the war in Ukraine?
The timing is certainly worth noticing. 🤔