The E-Note 1) reviews the history of Russia’s engagement with North Korea, and 2) traces how Moscow’s approach towards the Hermit Kingdom has changed in the wake of the 2013/2014 Ukraine crisis. Basically, Russia’s growing deference to Chinese interests in East Asia may result in the two countries aligning their interests on Korean Peninsula issues. In the case of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, however, there are three possible tacks the Kremlin might take to deal with the threats they pose. …read more