North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia by private train for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Kim's departure from Pyongyang was reported by North Korea's state media. The exact location of their meeting is unknown as Kim's train is headed north, away from Vladivostok.
According to a US official, the leaders are expected to discuss an arms deal amid Russia's confrontation with a Ukrainian counter-offensive. The Kremlin has stated that the "fully fledged visit" will encompass discussions on bilateral relations, regional situations, and global matters.
The meeting could occur as early as Tuesday local time, although the Kremlin's statement suggests it will take place in the "coming days." Kim disembarked from his train at the Khasan border station on Tuesday morning and was welcomed by a Russian delegation, complete with a brass band. He also held discussions with Alexander Kozlov, Russia's minister for natural resources, with potential joint tourism and agricultural projects slated for launch later this year, as revealed by regional governor Oleg Kozhemyako's released footage of the meeting.
Mr. Kim's train is rumored to comprise at least 20 heavily armored carriages, but the added weight limits its speed to approximately 37 mph (59 km/h).
Kim's last overseas trip was to Vladivostok in 2019, where he met with Mr. Putin following the breakdown of nuclear disarmament talks with then-US President Donald Trump.
The Vostochny cosmodrome, situated in Russia's far east near the Chinese border, has been suggested as a potential meeting place for the two leaders. This facility is Russia's inaugural commercial space center and holds significance as one of Mr. Putin's key initiatives.
While Mr. Putin has announced his intention to visit the cosmodrome, he has not confirmed whether he will meet with Mr. Kim there. Responding to a question at the Eastern Economic Forum, Mr. Putin stated, "When I get there, you will know."
North Korea might be exploring the possibility of collaboration with Russia on its space program, following a recent unsuccessful attempt to launch a spy satellite into orbit due to a rocket failure.
The White House has disclosed fresh information indicating that negotiations between Russia and North Korea regarding a potential arms deal are in active progress. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby revealed that Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had attempted to persuade Pyongyang to sell artillery ammunition to Russia during a recent visit to North Korea.
However, both sides have denied these reports.
The US and its allies have raised apprehensions about the potential strengthening of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Analysts suggest that North Korea may also seek food assistance and potentially technology to support its prohibited nuclear and missile programs.