North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un to Visit Russia for Summit with President Putin
SEOUL/MOSCOW – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has embarked on a journey to Russia aboard a special train, according to a South Korean source. The visit comes as Pyongyang and Moscow confirmed a summit between Kim and President Vladimir Putin, amidst Russia’s increasing isolation due to the war in Ukraine.
The Kremlin stated that Kim had accepted an invitation from Putin to visit Russia in the coming days, while the North Korean state news agency KCNA mentioned that the two leaders would “meet and have a talk”, without providing further details.
U.S. officials have expressed concerns over the potential discussion of arms deals between the two countries. It is believed that such deals could aid Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine and provide North Korea with the economic and political support it desperately needs.
The growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has raised alarm among Washington and its allies. This upcoming summit will mark Kim’s second meeting with Putin, following their initial encounter in 2019.
Despite both Pyongyang and Moscow denying any plans for arms supply, the United States has stated that talks are actively progressing in this regard. Russia has reportedly depleted significant stocks of weapons during the 18-month-long conflict in Ukraine.
Kim left on Sunday aboard his special train, according to a senior South Korean government official. The train is expected to take him to North Korea’s northeastern border with Russia. The summit could potentially take place as early as Tuesday, depending on the situation there.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have yet to confirm an exact schedule for the visit.
North Korea has been one of the few countries openly supporting Russia in the aftermath of the Ukrainian invasion. Last week, Putin pledged to “expand bilateral ties in all respects in a planned way by pooling efforts.”
This will not be Kim’s first trip abroad. His previous visit in 2019 was to Vladivostok, where he held his first summit with Putin after the collapse of North Korea’s nuclear disarmament talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Secrecy and security are key aspects of Kim’s international travels. He predominantly uses a special train with armored carriages equipped with communication systems and a personal suite for him to work and confer with his aides.
The expected focus of the summit between Kim and Putin will revolve around military cooperation and the possibility of supplying arms. Analysts and officials from the United States and South Korea have suggested that North Korea’s stockpile of artillery ammunition could be compatible with Russian weapons and provide much-needed support on the Ukrainian frontlines.
The United States has strongly opposed the idea of North Korea providing weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, warning Pyongyang that it would “pay a price” for such actions.
Ramon Pacheco Pardo, the Korea Chair at the Brussels School of Governance, believes that the deepening relationship between Kim and Putin signifies a further global split over the war in Ukraine. He says, “It is further proof that much of the world doesn’t support Ukraine in the way the U.S. and Europe do, and some countries such as North Korea will openly support Russia without fear of any real consequences.”
Increased security measures have been reported at the main train station in the Russian city of Khasan, where Kim is expected to enter the country. The city of Vladivostok has also seen a higher police presence on its streets.
The summit between Kim and Putin holds significant implications for regional dynamics and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The international community will be closely watching the outcome and impact of this meeting.
Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi, Ju-min Park, Josh Smith, Hyonhee Shin, and Jack Kim in Seoul, Guy Falconbridge and Reuters staff in Vladivostok; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Simon Cameron-Moore, Nick Macfie, and Alex Richardson
Acquire Licensing Rights, opens new tab – (Additional reporting by Reuters staff; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Simon Cameron-Moore, Nick Macfie, and Alex Richardson)