From the village of Turginovo —just over 100 miles from Moscow — to Vladivostok in the farthest eastern reaches of Russia, is a distance of approximately 9,300 km., or some 5,800 miles. That’s just about double the longest route between the east and west coasts of the United States. And it is the measure of Vladimir Putin’s travels this week, if all goes according to plan.

Putin was in Turginovo on Friday, September 1st, reportedly “to see places associated with his family.” Yeah, whatever. It has now been announced that he will be traveling to Vladivostok for a far more significant purpose: to host the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to take place from September 10-13 at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. Also scheduled to attend the Forum is North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who will likely travel the 687 km. (a mere 427 miles) by armored train from Pyongyang. The two men are expected to meet privately during that time, and it has been suggested (but not confirmed) that Kim may also travel to Moscow following the Forum. I presume that would depend on the outcome of their first meeting.

. . . which, not incidentally, is for the purpose of doing a little horse trading. Only it’s not horses they’ll be discussing. It is, rather, weaponry. Heavy-duty, lethal, wartime weaponry. According to reportage from the New York Times, Russia will be seeking artillery shells and anti-tank missiles needed to pursue its war of attrition (Russian translation: “special military operation”) in Ukraine, while North Korea would love to have some of that legendary Russian technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines. Oh, yes . . . and by the way, “Mr. Kim is also seeking food aid for his impoverished nation.” [New York Times]

So I have to ask: How is it that a country that cannot feed its own people can afford to produce — and give away — artillery shells and anti-tank missiles, and then presumably build satellites and nuclear submarines once that technology is available?

Now ask yourselves: If you had only enough money to buy food for your children or build a fence to keep your neighbors out, would you let your children starve, or would you just learn to say howdy to the folks next door? If you consider that a difficult choice, then I don’t even want to know you.

But North Korea’s — or Mr. Kim’s — moral values are not the real issue here. It’s the relationship between Messrs. Kim and Putin that is most worrisome.

Now factor in China’s President Xi Jinping, and we have a triple threat we cannot afford to shrug off. Historically, the relationship between Russia and China has run hot-and-cold even throughout just the past half century. But right now it’s very warm, and very threatening to the rest of the world. Put the three leaders on the same side of the table, and you’ve got the triumvirate from hell.

So what to do about all of this? Don’t ask me . . . I just lie awake nights, thinking about these things, and then share my thoughts with any and all who will listen. I’m afraid I’m not qualified to offer solutions. But oh, how I wish I were.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
9/5/23