Possibility of Trump-Putin Cooperation on North Korean Nuclear Issues

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to collaborate on nuclear nonproliferation, raising the possibility of addressing North Korea’s nuclear situation. Observers note that South Korea is particularly attentive as it seeks North Korean disarmament. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and the expiration of critical treaties complicate potential cooperative efforts between the U.S. and Russia.

On a recent phone call, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on collaboration regarding nuclear nonproliferation, prompting questions about whether this partnership could extend to addressing North Korea’s nuclear issues. The leaders discussed halting military strikes on Ukrainian energy targets as part of a peace initiative, while emphasizing the need for broader international cooperation on preventing the proliferation of strategic weaponry.

This agreement is being closely monitored in Seoul, as South Korea continues its efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions, which are growing alongside the country’s development of various delivery systems. The timing is critical, as the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) is due to expire in February unless a new agreement is reached, raising concerns due to its role in limiting U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals.

Notably, tensions heightened in early 2023 when President Putin suspended Russia’s participation in the New START Treaty, demanding U.S. military support for Ukraine cease before any treaty activities could resume. This situation followed quite a few previous escalations, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, grounded in accusations against Russia for non-compliance with treaty obligations.

Since taking office, President Trump has indicated interest in nuclear arms control negotiations not just with Russia but also with China. He has often highlighted discussions on “denuclearization” with Putin, expressing a vision of reducing nuclear arsenals across the board, including China’s involvement. Trump remarked that such reductions would be profoundly beneficial for global safety.

Some commentators see a potential opening for dialogue on North Korea’s nuclear challenges following the Trump-Putin agreement. Patrick Cronin, Chair for Asia-Pacific Security at the Hudson Institute, noted that initial steps towards ceasefire in Ukraine could be a positive sign. Given the complex geopolitical landscape, however, many challenges remain in achieving any lasting solution.

Concerns have arisen regarding Trump’s characterization of North Korea as a “nuclear power,” which may indicate a shift away from aggressive disarmament advocacy. Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expressed skepticism about Trump’s priorities, suggesting a recognition of the improbability of complete denuclearization given North Korea’s extensive nuclear capabilities.

While the U.S. and Russia may move towards nuclear arms control, the likelihood of engaging North Korea in meaningful discussions remains uncertain. Concurrently, the U.S. appears committed to addressing China’s expanding nuclear capabilities, which are projected to reach 1,000 by 2030. Despite U.S. overtures, China has rebuffed these due to concerns over American arms sales to Taiwan.

In conclusion, the recent agreement between Presidents Trump and Putin emphasizes the urgent need for cooperation in nuclear nonproliferation, which could have implications for North Korea’s nuclear situation. Nevertheless, substantial hurdles persist in achieving meaningful dialogue regarding North Korea’s arsenal, complicated by existing geopolitical tensions and differing priorities. Ultimately, while opportunities for cooperation exist, the success of these efforts remains highly uncertain.

Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr