North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has crossed into Russian territory aboard an armored train to meet with President Vladimir Putin. The summit holds significance as they plan to address “sensitive issues.” Earlier reports revealed Kim’s train moving north along the coast after a stop at the Khasan railway station on the North Korean-Russian border, and later crossing the Razdolnaya River near Vladivostok. President Putin arrived in Vladivostok for a two-day visit to attend the Eastern Economic Forum.
Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov commented on the summit agenda, indicating that the talks would take place in the Far East without specifying the exact location. The negotiations will involve both Russian and North Korean delegations and feature one-on-one discussions. An official banquet in Kim’s honor is scheduled, but no press conferences are planned.
The talks will encompass various topics, including “sensitive issues,” bilateral economic and cultural cooperation, and the regional situation. There have been reports suggesting Kim’s interest in discussing further military cooperation with Russia. Additionally, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko hinted at potential discussions regarding Russian humanitarian aid to North Korea.
The last meeting between Putin and Kim took place in Vladivostok in 2019, focusing on denuclearization, the Korean Peninsula’s situation, and various bilateral matters.
Kim’s visit occurs amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, marked by recurrent missile launches by North Korea and military exercises involving South Korean and U.S. forces.
