According to a The New York Times report, which is based on sources within the U.S. intelligence community, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un plans to make a rare trip abroad to meet with President Vladimir Putin. The two men intend to discuss arms deliveries by North Korea to Russia, for deployment in Ukraine.
Their meeting, yet to be confirmed by Moskow and Pyongyang, would be scheduled during the Eastern Economic Forum, which takes place between September 10th and 13th at the Far Eastern Federal University in the city of Vladivostok, Russia.
According to the New York Times report, Russia hopes to get artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, in exchange for advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines.
Earlier, the U.S. reported that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu had traveled to North Korea in July to lay the groundwork for such an arms deal. During that visit, Kim reportedly also invited Putin to come to North Korea.
The latest report comes as the U.S. expresses concern about the two countries seeking closer military ties, which has the potential to boost Russia’s military impact in its war in Ukraine.
In addition, the news of Kim’s planned visit follows Russia’s confirmation that it intends to conduct joint military exercises with the communist—and heavily sanctioned—pariah state.
“Why not, these are our neighbors. There’s an old Russian saying: you don’t choose your neighbors and it’s better to live with your neighbors in peace and harmony,” Reuters claims Russia’s Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, had said on Monday, September 4th, based on an Interfax report.
When asked about the possibility of joint exercises between the two countries, he said they were “of course” being discussed, Reuters reported.
Earlier on Saturday, Russia’s ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, told Russian news agency TASS that political relations between Russia and North Korea were currently “on the rise,” and that it would be “appropriate” for North Korea to participate in trilateral military drills with China and Russia.
The U.S. and its ally, South Korea, hold regular military exercises in that region, drills which North Korea has systematically denounced as preparations in the event of waging war in the future.
