North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to visit Russia for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the meeting taking place in the coming days. The Kremlin confirmed that Kim’s visit was at Putin’s invitation. North Korea’s KCNA state news agency also reported this official visit, stating that Kim would soon meet Putin.
Putin arrived in the Russian far eastern city of Vladivostok to attend the Eastern Economic Forum, where the meeting with Kim may take place. This city was also the site of Putin and Kim’s first meeting in 2019.
Kim’s international travel is infrequent, often shrouded in secrecy and security. He typically travels by train, with armored, olive-green carriages equipped with communication systems and a personal suite for working and conferring with aides.
The meeting between Kim and Putin is likely to focus on military cooperation, potentially including a deal to supply arms. The United States has expressed concern about North Korea supplying weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, warning that Pyongyang would “pay a price.”
This growing relationship between Kim and Putin has raised concerns about potential technology transfers that could enhance North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. North Korea’s arsenal of nuclear weapons and missiles, designed to target the United States, South Korea, and Japan, could pose an increased threat due to such transfers.
Kim’s visit to Russia comes amid ongoing global concerns about the conflict in Ukraine, with some countries openly supporting Russia’s actions in the conflict. This visit could further deepen divisions over the war.
