North Korea diplomacy appears to be prioritizing ties with Russia over talks with the United States, raising questions about a possible Trump–Kim meeting. The announcement comes just days before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled for a two-day state visit to South Korea during APEC Economic Leaders’ Week.
North Korean state media reported that Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui will visit Russia and Belarus at the invitation of their foreign ministers. The announcement came on Sunday morning, three days before Trump’s arrival in Seoul. Officials did not provide specific dates for Choe’s trip.
Choe previously traveled to Moscow in November last year to meet Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin. Analysts see her upcoming visit as a reaffirmation of North Korea’s focus on strengthening its strategic alliance with Russia.
Experts in Seoul interpreted the announcement as a sign that Pyongyang is unlikely to pursue a surprise meeting with Trump. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University, said the trip signals North Korea diplomacy emphasizes its “blood alliance” with Russia. He added it also indirectly signals rejection of a potential Trump–Kim summit.
Trump, meanwhile, reiterated his willingness to meet Kim Jong-un. He referenced their surprise 2019 DMZ encounter and stated that he would meet Kim if North Korea initiated contact. Trump also acknowledged North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, signaling a flexible stance in dialogue conditions.
Within South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung administration, opinions differ on the likelihood of a Trump–Kim meeting. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac expressed caution, while Unification Minister Chung Dong-young pointed to possible preparatory signs.
Chung noted that United Nations Command tours to Panmunjom have been temporarily suspended during APEC, and North Korea conducted recent beautification and cleaning efforts near the Panmungak building. These activities, observed over the past week, suggest potential readiness for diplomatic engagement.
Observers note that North Korea diplomacy now seems to balance relationships with multiple powers. While Trump signals willingness for engagement, Pyongyang’s focus on Russia may complicate negotiations. Analysts will closely monitor Choe’s trip and any developments at Panmunjom for clues about North Korea’s next diplomatic moves.
Overall, North Korea diplomacy highlights the regime’s strategic calculations, emphasizing strong ties with Russia while keeping the U.S. engagement option uncertain.
