Yesterday's meeting between Russian thug and autocrat Vladimir Putin and murderous North Korean despot Kim Jong Un was ostensibly to "'promote strategic communication and tactical collaboration' over the security situation on the Korean Peninsula." Translation: Russia and North Korea are trying to gain strategic leverage together over incompetent sociopath and Putin pal Donald "Not Exonerated" Trump regarding the fate of the Korean peninsula. Indeed, following the meeting, Putin indicated that Kim "asked" him to intervene with Trump, and "explain the nuances of North Korea's position..." We'd suggest a coloring book format.
Putin's insertion into the North Korea denuclearization issue is another example of Russia's attempts to regain status on the world stage as a major player, much like their malign involvement in Syria. Everywhere Russia gains advantage -- whether it's with "nationalist" movements in Eastern Europe, or in the Middle East -- the U.S. and western democracies are diminished in influence there. It fits in with Putin's dream of a "Russian Empire," like his beloved Soviet Union but run at home as a criminal plutocracy with him at the top of the corrupt pyramid. Expect him to get support from Trump in his quest for power.
(photo: V. Sharifulin)
