North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is preparing for a visit to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin, as confirmed by both nations on Monday. This upcoming summit carries the potential for groundbreaking discussions, particularly in light of Moscow’s growing isolation due to its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
The Kremlin announced that Kim will soon arrive in Russia at the invitation of President Putin. Meanwhile, North Korean state news agency KCNA stated that the two leaders would “meet and have a talk,” though details were not provided.
U.S. officials have indicated that the agenda for this meeting may encompass potential arms deals to support Russia’s engagement in the Ukraine conflict, while also offering North Korea a crucial economic and political lifeline.
This visit by Kim for his second summit with Putin has been closely monitored by governments worldwide, given recent indications of increased military cooperation between nuclear-armed North Korea and Russia amid their involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Despite denials from Pyongyang and Moscow, the United States has asserted that active discussions are underway for North Korea to supply arms to Russia, which has depleted significant weapon stocks during more than 18 months of conflict in Ukraine.
Reports from South Korean media suggest that Kim may have departed for Russia aboard a special train. However, as of now, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has confirmed an exact schedule for the visit.
North Korea stands out as one of the few countries openly supporting Russia since the onset of the Ukraine invasion last year. In a recent statement, Putin expressed his commitment to “expand bilateral ties in all respects in a planned way by pooling efforts.”
Kim’s last foreign trip in 2019 was to Vladivostok, where he held his first summit with Putin following the breakdown of North Korea’s nuclear disarmament talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
