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Putin-Kim summit will see ‘two beleaguered leaders’ meeting, says ex-army officer
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un are “two now beleaguered leaders” who have “decided they’ve got something in common”, a retired British army officer says.
Lord Richard Dannatt, former chief of the general staff, tells Sky News that though the summit could involve arms talks, it’s not “an indication that Russia is on its uppers and must go anywhere it possibly can for arms and ammunition”.
He said the substance of conversation will likely be “the beginnings of a deal” where Mr Kim will offer munitions in return for money, food and “other technologies” North Korea wants.
“It’s not that [Mr Putin’s] own industry is not producing enough, but I think he’s quite happy to source more supplies where he can,” Lord Dannatt says.
On what may come out of the meeting publicly, he adds that a G20-style communique is unlikely.
“But I think there will be some messages that come out in a subtle sort of way,” Lord Dannatt says.
“Whether they do say anything publicly or not, it’s quite clear what the purpose is.”
Moscow’s success in the war may also hinge on a reported major recruitment drive currently taking place across Russia, Lord Dannatt adds.
“I think we have to absolutely expect that, because both sides have now taken huge casualties,” he says. “Probably Russia and Ukraine in the order of three to one.”
“The size of the force that you put in 18 months ago has itself been wiped out, so it’s not surprising that they’ve got to go every which way they can to try and make up those numbers, as indeed the Ukrainians have.”
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