Kim and Putin will meet in Russia to discuss weapons

North Korean leader Kim Jong-unplans to travel to Russia this month to speak with the Russian president, Vladimir Putinabout the possibility of Pyongyang supplying more weapons to Moscow for the war in Ukraine, a newspaper reported on Monday New York Times and The Washington Post.

According to The New York Timesciting US officials and allies, Putin wants North Korea it sells artillery and anti-tank missiles to Russia, while Pyongyang seeks advanced technology to build nuclear-powered satellites and submarines.

In addition, Kim wants food aid for his country, the New York newspaper described.

Kim rarely travels outside of North Korea. In order to meet Putin, his idea would be to travel from Pyongyang, probably by armored train, to Vladivostok, on Russia’s Pacific coast, he says. The New York Times.

Thus, both Putin and Kim would meet at the edges Eastern Economic Forumwhich will be held from September 12 to 15 in Far Eastern Federal Universityin Vladivostok.

According to washington post, citing a US official, the White House I already had information last week about the exchange of “letters” between Kim and Putin.

When asked by EFE, the White House did not confirm the information published by The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Moreover, Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the White House National Security Councilhe explained to EFE that the United States is aware that Kim wants to continue talks on arms sales to Russia and include “diplomatic contact at the level of the leadership in Russia.”

The United States has warned for months that North Korea has sent weapons to Russian forces for use in Ukraine as the conflict has depleted Russian state reserves.

Last December, the White House condemned North Korea’s delivery of rockets and cruise missiles to the Wagner mercenary group, which has played a key role in Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine.

However, after Wagner’s failed attempt at an armed rebellion in June, the relationship between Russia and North Korea regarding arms purchases has undergone a significant change: it now takes place at the government level instead of going through Wagner’s group, as he announced at the White House last week.

Namely, the White House reported that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigutraveled to Pyongyang in late July to request the purchase of artillery ammunition, and since then the two countries have exchanged “letters” aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

In addition, according to the White House, after Shoigu’s visit, another group of Russian officials traveled to Pyongyang to continue discussions on possible arms deals between the two countries.

In addition to North Korea, countries have also condemned Iran’s supply of weapons to Russia for the war in Ukraine.