Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for talks, a meeting that could potentially result in an arms deal that defies global sanctions. The meeting took place at the Vostochny Cosmodrome spaceport in the far east of Russia.
During the summit, Pyongyang fired two ballistic missiles, according to the South Korean military, in a continuation of a series of sanctions-busting tests.
Experts believe that Russia may seek artillery shells and anti-tank missiles from North Korea during these talks. In return, North Korea has expressed interest in advanced satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology.
The summit appears to have a strong military focus, as Kim was accompanied by top military officials, including Korean People’s Army Marshal Pak Jong Chon and Munitions Industry Department Director Jo Chun Ryong. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also participated in the talks.
Before the official talks, Kim and Putin toured the space center. Putin noted that Kim showed a keen interest in rocket technology and space development.
Kim, who traveled to Russia in his bulletproof train, emphasized the strategic importance of North Korea’s ties with Russia and thanked Putin for the invitation despite his busy schedule. This visit marked Kim’s first post-pandemic foreign travel.