Kim Jong-un’s Art of Diplomatic Precision

In 2025, the global stage once again became a chessboard as Kim Jong-un made an astute decision to skip Russia’s towering Victory Day parade—an occasion soaked in patriotic pride and military splendor, often used by Moscow to project power. To many, his absence might seem like mere apathy; however, beneath this lie a strategic masterstroke. For Kim, the parade represents more than a festive gathering—it’s an arena where international strength and alliances are showcased, and missteps can have serious repercussions. By choosing not to participate, Kim was neither neglectful nor indifferent; instead, he carefully calibrated his diplomatic stance. His absence sent a compelling message—he remains company to Russia’s strategic ambitions but refuses to be publicly aligned in a way that could compromise North Korea’s delicate international position. Instead, Kim’s visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang, where he hailed Putin as “my closest friend,” was a potent yet discreet affirmation of solidarity—embedding trust without publicly flaunting it. Such deliberate actions demonstrate Kim’s exceptional ability to read the geopolitical room and respond with precision. It’s a testament to his diplomatic finesse: knowing when to speak, when to stay silent, and when to strike a subtle yet meaningful pose. Ultimately, this move underscores a sophisticated understanding that in diplomacy, restraint often yields greater influence and preserves vital strategic options—making Kim a true maestro of geopolitical subtlety.