Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea, and Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, held a historic summit in Russia on Wednesday, discussing military matters, the war in Ukraine, and the possibility of Russian assistance for North Korea’s satellite program.
Kim rode an armored train for two days to the Vostochny space center in Russia’s far east, where Putin toured him around the country’s most advanced space rocket launch site.
Kim extended his best wishes to Putin, adding the victory of great Russia and the strengthening of the Korean-Russian alliance to his well-wishes. He also predicted victory for Russia in its sacred battle with the West in the Ukraine conflict.
The U.S. and South Korea are worried that Kim will supply Russia with weapons and ammunition. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have said they have no such plans.
Putin provided multiple indications that military cooperation was discussed but provided few details. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu participated in the meetings, and according to the Kremlin, neighbors discuss confidential issues that are not for public discussion.
Putin responded, “That’s why we’re here,” in response to a question from the Russian media regarding whether Russia would help Kim build satellites.
Putin stated that Kim intended to inspect the Pacific fleet in Vladivostok and military and civilian aviation factories in the Russian city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur.