Russia and the Korean Peninsula: Central Rather Than Peripheral?

The potential role of Russia as an intermediary in inter-Korean relations has been under-studied inasmuch as regional attempts to bring about the denuclearisation of North Korea are concerned. Although Russia had previously taken a less active role during the Six Party Talks, it is apparent President Putin has sought a Russian Pivot to Northeast Asia, with a particular interest in consolidating Russian interests on the Korean Peninsula. Russian involvement as an intermediary acceptable to both Seoul and Pyongyang may mark a possible opportunity to break the current impasse over the denuclearisation of North Korea.