North Korean leader Kim Jong Un intends to travel to Russia in September to meet the president Vladimir Putin and discuss the possibility of supplying Moscow with more weapons for its war in Ukraine and other forms of military cooperation: writes the New York Times citing American and allied leaders. In a rare outing from his country, Kim is expected to travel from Pyongyang, likely on an armored train, to Vladivostok on Russia’s Pacific coastwhere he will meet the Russian president in the context of the Eastern Economic Forum, which will take place from 10 to 13 September, the North Korean leader, according to the same sources, could also go to Moscow.
Putin wants Kim to agree to send artillery shells and anti-tank missiles to Russia, while Kim wants Moscow to supply North Korea with advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines. The leader of Pyongyang is also seeking food aid for his poor nation. The White House warned Wednesday that the two had exchanged letters discussing a possible arms deal, citing declassified intelligence.
National Security Council spokesman John F. Kirby said high-level talks on military cooperation between the two nations “are actively advancing.”