`Kim Jong U`s visit ti Moscow not made due to bungled missile purchase`. May. 04, 2015 07:21. bonhong@donga.com.

As opinions are mixed regarding why North Korean leader Kim Jong Un didnt attend a commemoration event of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II to be held in Moscow on Saturday, some analyze the possible reason would be the bungled purchase of Russias S-300 missile system.

On Saturday, Hong Kongs Phoenix Television cited a military expert of Russia that the North planned to suggest to buy four S-300 missiles to Russia when Hyon Yong Chol, the chief of North Korea`s People`s Armed Forces, was attending an international security conference on April 14. The S-300 is regarded as a very potent long range surface-to-air aircraft and cruise missile system, which was developed by the former Soviet Union and has been improved by Russia.

The expert, however, reveals that Moscow has rejected Pyongyangs request to buy the system by barter on the grounds that the transaction should be cash-basis and the consent from neighboring countries such as China is required as the deployment of the S-300 could affect the strategic balance on the region.

The expert also analyzes that one of the reasons of Kim Jong Uns absence at the event could be Russias rejection to North Koreas suggestion.

China has not been very happy about Kim Jong Uns planned visit to Moscow and that might be one of the reasons for cancellation, Phoenix Television cited another expert.

South Koreas high-ranking official also reckons, It is highly likely that the North made a prior request to no avail.