North Korean Leader Arrives Russia in Armored Train to Meet Putin
North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un has arrived via rail in Russia where he is due to meet President Vladimir Putin. The United States alleged that Russia wants North Korea to sell it ammunition for the war in Ukraine.
North Korea meanwhile wants food aid and possibly technology to help it’s banned nuclear and missiles programme, analysts say.
President Putin is in Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East, which is around 200km (125 miles) from the North Korean border. But it’s not clear exactly where they will meet – Kim’s train is reportedly heading north, away from Vladivostok.
This is North Korea’s P resident first trip abroad in four years – he last met Putin face to face in 2019.
A one to one between Kim and Putin, expected to take place in Russia’s far east, would be a significant development, analysts say, bringing together two leaders who are increasingly isolated on the world stage.
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Russia desperately requires fresh supplies of ammunition and shells after more than 18 months of war in Ukraine has left its military battered, while North Korea, which has faced years of international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program, is short of everything from hard cash and food to missile technology.
The meeting could lead to Pyongyang getting its hands on the sort of weapons two decades’ worth of United Nations sanctions have barred it from accessing, especially for its nuclear-capable ballistic missile program.
The US government said last week that arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea are “actively advancing,” and further talks could take place as part of Russia’s efforts to find new suppliers for weapons to use in its war against Ukraine.
South Korean Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu also said Tuesday the ministry is closely monitoring whether North Korea and Russia will proceed with negotiations on an arms deal and technology transfer.
