Kim Jong Un Arrives In Russia For Talks With President Putin As US Warns Over Arms Deal
North Korean autocrat Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia comes as the U.S. has expressed apprehension that Moscow could employ weapons from North Korea to potentially target Ukraine.
North Korean autocrat Kim Jong Un made a notable entrance into Russia on Tuesday, arriving via a private train amidst a military band performance, for discussions with President Vladimir Putin. The talks come as Washington issues stern warnings against any potential weapon trade between the two nations. The journey commenced on Sunday when Kim departed from Pyongyang aboard his distinctive olive-green painted train, accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking officials from North Korea's arms industry and military, news agency Reuters reported.
Russian state TV has since released video footage depicting Kim, dressed in a suit, as he disembarked from his train onto a red carpet at a station in Russia's Far East. A military band positioned on the platform promptly commenced a melodious welcome performance.
Reuters cited a Russian source as stating that Kim arrived on Tuesday morning, disembarking from his train to meet Russian officials in Khasan, the primary rail gateway to Russia's Far East, before continuing his journey.
Footage shared by Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Russia's far eastern Primorsky region, captured Kim seated in a large white chair, engaging in discussions with a delegation led by Alexander Kozlov, Russia's Minister for Natural Resources.
Kozhemyako stated that the Russian delegation explored the potential launch of joint tourism and agricultural projects later this year, with hopes of strengthening economic ties with Pyongyang, Reuters reported
Kim's international travel is a rare occurrence, as he has undertaken only seven trips made outside North Korea during his 12-year reign. Four of these visits were to China, his country's principal political ally.
Speaking on the visit's significance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "It will be a fully-fledged visit. There will be negotiations between two delegations, and after that, if necessary, the leaders will continue their communication in a one-on-one format", as quoted by Reuters.
The discussions are expected to cover topics such as humanitarian aid to North Korea and the United Nations Security Council resolutions imposed on Pyongyang, the report mentioned.
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Russia 'Begging For Assistance': US Expresses Concern Over Possibility Of Arms Deal
On the other hand, the United States has voiced its concerns regarding the meeting. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller characterised Putin's desire to meet with Kim as a sign of desperation.
"Having to travel across the length of his own country to meet with an international pariah to ask for assistance in a war that he expected to win in the opening month, I would characterize it as him begging for assistance," Miller emphasised, as quoted by news agency AFP.
Furthermore, Miller warned both nations that any arms transfer from North Korea to Russia would violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The remarks came as the U.S. has expressed apprehension that Russia could employ weapons from North Korea to potentially target Ukrainian food supplies and heating infrastructure, with the aim of territorial conquest.
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