Kim Jong Un Arrives in Russia in Rare Foreign Trip
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia on Tuesday for an expected meeting with President Vladimir Putin that has sparked concerns about a potential arms deal for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, joined by top military officials in charge of nuclear-capable weapons and munitions factories.
North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Kim boarded his personal train Sunday afternoon, accompanied by unspecified members of the country’s ruling party, government and military.
South Korea's military assessed the train crossed into Russia sometime early Tuesday, Jeon Ha Gyu, spokesperson of South Korea’s Defense Ministry, said in a briefing without elaborating on how the military obtained the information.
Officials identified in North Korean state media photos may hint at what Kim might seek from Putin and what he would be willing to give.
Kim Jong Un is apparently bringing Jo Chun Ryong, a ruling party official in charge of munitions policies who accompanied the leader on recent tours of factories producing artillery shells and missiles, said South Korea’s Unification Ministry.
North Korea may have tens of millions of artillery shells and rockets based on Soviet designs that could give a huge boost to the Russian army in Ukraine, analysts say.
Also identified in photos were Pak Thae Song, chairman of North Korea’s space science and technology committee, and Navy Adm. Kim Myong Sik, who are linked with North Korean efforts to acquire spy satellites and nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarines. Experts say North Korea would struggle to acquire such capabilities without external help, although it’s not clear if Russia would share such sensitive technologies.
Kim may also seek badly needed energy and food aid, analysts say.
Kim’s delegation likely includes his foreign minister, Choe Sun Hui, and his top two military officials, Korean People’s Army Marshals Ri Pyong Chol and Pak Jong Chon.
Kim and Putin may meet in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, where Putin arrived Monday to attend an international forum that runs through Wednesday, according to Russia’s TASS news agency. Putin’s first meeting with Kim was held in 2019 in the city, which is about 425 miles (680 kilometers) north of Pyongyang.
Russian news agencies quoted Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying Putin and Kim will meet after the Vladivostok forum, but the reports didn't specify when or where.
Peskov said the meeting would include a lunch in Kim’s honor.
Deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko said that Russia will inform South Korea about the meeting's outcome upon request: “The South Koreans have an embassy in Moscow. If they want, we can provide them with the information we have.”
Kim Jong Un is making his first foreign trip since the Covid-19 pandemic, during which North Korea imposed tight border controls for more than three years.
Related Articles
Prabowo Tells Putin He Wants Closer Energy Ties, But No Oil Deal So Far
Prabowo is on a Moscow trip as Jakarta navigates the global energy crunch driven by Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade.JCI Rebounds to 7,500 as Prabowo–Putin Talks Lift Energy Security Outlook
JCI rises 0.56% to 7,500 as Prabowo–Putin oil talks support sentiment amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and global volatility.Prabowo Heads to Moscow for Possible Oil Deal with Putin
Indonesia is eyeing an energy deal with the world's third-largest oil producer Russia as a global energy crunch rages on.No Inclusive Dialogue: Indonesia on Why It Abstains UN's Ukraine Peace Vote
Despite backing the previous Ukraine resolution, Indonesia skipped voting the Ukraine peace vote due to the "lack of inclusive dialogue".Russia and Ukraine's Combined War Casualties Could Reach 2 Million Soon, Report Estimates
The CSIS report said Russia suffered 1.2 million casualties, including up to 325,000 troop deaths, since February 2022.Indonesia Revokes Citizenship of Ex-Police Officer Who Joined Russian Mercenary Force
Indonesia has revoked the citizenship of a former police officer who deserted his post and joined Russian forces in Ukraine.Former Indonesian Brimob Officer Joins Wagner Group, Risks Loss of Citizenship
A former Indonesian police officer says he was recruited by the Wagner Group to fight in Ukraine, risking the loss of his citizenship.Putin Wishes Prabowo Happy New Year As Indonesia-Russia Grow Closer
2025 saw Prabowo visiting Putin twice and Indonesia joining the Moscow-founded BRICS bloc.Indonesia Signs Trade Deal with Russia’s Eurasian Bloc Amid US Tariffs
The Indonesia-EAEU trade deal will cover over 90 percent of the goods, Russian leader Vladimir Putin says.Indonesia, Russia’s EAEU to Ink Trade Pact This Week to Remove 90% Tariffs
Russia says that the Eurasian bloc EAEU is willing to slash tariffs — unlike the Donald Trump administration.The Latest
Rupiah Hits Rp 17,926 Against US Dollar Amid Oil Surge and Geopolitical Risks
Rupiah fell to Rp 17,926 per US dollar as rising oil prices, Middle East tensions, and strong dollar demand weighed on sentiment.Indonesia to Cut Royalty Income Tax for Writers to 1.5%
The tax cuts will be available for authors who publish work with a clear International Standard Book Number (ISBN).Shinhan Bank Indonesia Launches Flazz Top-Up Feature on SOL Indonesia Application
Shinhan Bank Indonesia enables seamless Flazz top-ups via the SOL Indonesia mobile banking app.Prosecutors Confirm Raid on National Nutrition Agency Office
Indonesian prosecutors confirmed a raid on the National Nutrition Agency a day after President Prabowo replaced its leadership.Indonesia’s C-130 Hercules Repair Center to See Progress by 2028
Washington has picked Indonesia to be Asia’s hub for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the C-130 Hercules.Most Popular
