Kim Jong-un closes talks with Trump: ‘No interest in speaking with him’

The North Korean leader criticises US policy and strengthens the alliance with Putin. Prospects for a resumption of dialogue with the New York tycoon dim

According to reports in the Wall Street Journal a week ago, Kim Jong Un has expressed disinterest in resuming talks with Donald Trump when the former US president returns to the White House. During a display of defence measures in Pyongyang, Kim emphasised the failure of previous negotiations and openly criticised the ‘aggressive and hostile policy’ of the US.

‘We have explored all possible avenues in negotiations with the US,’ Kim said, adding that his country no longer sees the need for international sanctions relief, having strengthened its nuclear arsenal and consolidated strategic relations with Russia.

Strengthening the alliance with Moscow

The change in the North Korean position reflects a renewed autonomy from the constraints imposed by the United States. Thanks to the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim has received military assistance and diplomatic protection at the UN Security Council, benefits that Trump would not be able to offer.

This alliance has intensified in recent months, with North Korea enacting legislation to legitimise pre-emptive nuclear strikes. A clear message signalling an unwillingness to disarm, despite pressure from the international community.

A difficult past to overcome

The relationship between Trump and Kim, initially characterised by correspondence exchanges and high-visibility meetings, had deteriorated towards the end of Trump’s first term. Friendly rhetoric had turned into an escalation of insults, with Pyongyang calling the former US president an ‘old fart’ and a ‘reckless and erratic man’.

Although Trump has recently expressed nostalgia for those early diplomatic attempts, saying that ‘I think he misses it’ during the Republican National Convention, Kim seems to have a rather different view of it from the New York tycoon.

Prospects for the future

At the moment, new talks seem unlikely unless Trump can convince Putin to mediate with Kim, a difficult hypothesis given the complexity of geopolitical balances. The North Korean leader, meanwhile, appears determined to continue on the path of strategic autonomy, reinforced by increasingly strong ties with Moscow.

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