U.S.-Russia ceasefire talks and their geopolitical impact on the Korean Peninsula

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

As the Ukraine war continues, U.S. President Donald Trump claims his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is willing to negotiate a peace deal, though there remains "tremendous distrust" between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump, who is also eyeing a minerals deal with Ukraine, made it clear that his administration would not offer Kyiv strong security guarantees, garnering concerns over that country's security.

The Kremlin has confirmed that while no immediate talks are planned, Trump and Putin have the ability to communicate at any time if urgent matters arise, suggesting the possibility of renewed dialogue.

In Within The Frame today, we delve into these pressing issues, exploring the broader implications of a U.S.-Russia-led ceasefire and its impact on global stability.

For this, we connect with Robert Kelly, Professor of International Relations at Pusan National University

Also joining us is Park Won-gon, Professor of North Korea studies at Ewha Woman's University

(KELLY) 1. Let's start with Professor Kelly. The U.S. and Russia are accelerating their efforts to end the Ukraine war with high-level discussions on the way. Before we dig any deeper, how big are the chances for a ceasefire? What could the deal likely entail?

(PARK) 2.Now to Professor Park, so if the U.S. and Russia normalize relations, what impact will this have on security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula?

(KELLY) 3. As for talks with Ukraine, President Trump has announced that Ukrainian President Zelensky will visit the U.S. on February 28 to sign a mineral agreement.

Trump has claimed that the war could end within "a few weeks," and suggested that the resource extraction agreement is part of the broader ceasefire process. Professor Kelly, how significant is this deal for both countries?

(PARK) 4. With the war still ongoing, Professor Park, how do you think this mineral agreement will impact Ukraine's ability to defend itself, while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic negotiations?

(KELLY) 5. The latest mineral agreement spurred concerns over Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy.

If the U.S. prioritizes economic agreements over military alliances, how should South Korea interpret this in the context of its security reliance on the U.S. Prof.Kelly?

(PARK) 6. Meanwhile, North Korea reportedly deployed up to 3,000 additional troops to Russia between January and February. Prof.Park, What does this suggest about Pyongyang's strategic objectives in supporting Russia's war in Ukraine? How much longer could they extend such support?

(KELLY) 7. But if the war comes to an end with agreements from Washington and Moscow, some analysts believe Moscow may distance itself from Pyongyang, as it no longer needs North Korea's support and may seek to restore economic ties with South Korea. Others argue that the wartime alliance has evolved into a deeper strategic partnership. What are your thoughts Prof.Kelly?

(KELLY) 8. As the U.S. pursues a peace deal in Ukraine, there is speculation that Washington could also attempt to manage provocations by North Korea.

Could this lead to the reopening of communication channels between Washington and Pyongyang? What kind of leverage does Pyongyang hold?

(PARK) 9. Another major development is Ukraine's claim that its forces captured two North Korean soldiers fighting in the Russian military Some analysts suggest that North Korea might seek leverage by demanding concessions, such as nuclear arms reduction talks, in exchange for withdrawing its forces.

What are the chances of this Prof.Park?

(PARK) 10. Lately, North Korea appears to be restoring ties with China, as seen in recent diplomatic exchanges and cultural cooperation. What do you think is driving this shift? And what role could China play in shaping the post-war geopolitical landscape?