Beltway Confidential

Russia’s hidden role in backing North Korea

By Nikita Vladimirov

Published November 21, 2017 6:33pm ET

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Russia’s hidden role in backing North Korea — Internal political pressure, in conjunction with Putin's vision of a weaker U.S. state, could explain why the Russian president knew about the North Korean nuclear program for the last two decades and chose to do nothing to oppose it. (AP Photo/Sergei Ilnitsky, Pool) | Sergei Ilnitsky

Russia is likely to continue its strategic partnership with North Korea despite President Trump’s recent call to include Moscow in regional negotiations.

Recognizing the strong role that Beijing plays in assisting Pyongyang, Washington has repeatedly invited China to restrain its aggressive ally in hopes of halting the rapid progression of its nuclear weapons program.

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Tag:

Commentary Donald Trump Kim Jong Un North Korea Nuclear Weapons Russia Vladimir Putin