Kim Jong Un and Putin to meet for weapons talks

It has been reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is to travel to Russia for talks with Putin on supplying weapons for the war in Ukraine.

According to the New York Times, who first reported the story, Kim is expected to travel by armoured train to Vladivostok to meet with the Russian leader.

The pair are set to discuss North Korea sending artillery shells and anti-tank missiles to Russia in exchange for Moscow's advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines. The New York Times also reported that Kim is would like to secure some food in the deal.

The pair are expected to attend the Eastern Economic Forum on the campus of Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok from 10-13 September.

Last week, the White House warned that the two leaders had been exchanging letters discussing a possible arms deal. The White House has not commented on the latest news, however a National Security Council spokesperson said: “We urge the D.P.R.K. to cease its arms negotiations with Russia and abide by the public commitments that Pyongyang has made to not provide or sell arms to Russia.”

Image: Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons