North Korea’s Kim Jong Un is reportedly planning to travel to Russia this month for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
The primary topic of discussion is believed to be the potential provision of weapons by North Korea to support Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to a U.S. official and reported by CBS.
The specific location of this meeting remains uncertain, but sources have suggested that Kim may travel via an armoured train.
The White House has disclosed that arms negotiations between the two nations are progressing, with Russia’s defence minister having recently visited North Korea to explore the possibility of purchasing artillery ammunition.
In response to these developments, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed concerns and urged North Korea, also known as the DPRK, to halt its arms negotiations with Russia and adhere to its previous commitments not to supply or sell arms to Russia.
Kirby warned of potential US actions, including sanctions, if North Korea proceeds with providing weapons to Russia.
While the meeting’s exact location remains unclear, the New York Times suggests that Vladivostok, a city on Russia’s eastern coast, could be a potential venue.
Both Pyongyang and Moscow have previously denied allegations that North Korea is supplying arms to Russia for use in the Ukrainian conflict.
