The Kremlin has stated that no agreements were signed during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia. Kim’s rare trip to the Russian Far East included a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Moscow is rumored to be interested in purchasing North Korean ammunition for use in Ukraine, Pyongyang seeks Russia’s assistance in developing its missile program. Western nations have cautioned both Russia and North Korea against entering into an arms deal, which would violate sanctions against Pyongyang.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that no agreements were signed and that there were no plans to do so. Kim is continuing his visit to Russia for several more days, but no specific timeframe has been provided.

Kim is traveling in his bullet-proof train on his first official trip abroad since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Putin revealed that Kim would visit the port of Vladivostok to observe Russia’s Pacific Fleet capabilities.

The visit is characterized by a strong military presence, with top Russian military officials also involved in the talks with Putin. The relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang is rooted in the Soviet Union’s role in the founding of North Korea. During Kim’s visit, Putin and Russian officials have made numerous references to the 20th century in calling for a stronger relationship, particularly as Moscow faces unprecedented isolation over its actions in Ukraine.

Khabarovsk regional governor Mikhail Degtyarev, who accompanied Kim on a visit to a jet factory, stated that both countries are standing together against Western pressure and will continue to defend the ideals of freedom and a multipolar world through joint efforts.

The Kremlin has confirmed that Putin has accepted Kim’s invitation to visit North Korea, marking his second trip to the country. Kim Jong Il hosted Putin in Pyongyang in July 2000 shortly after Putin became Russia’s president.

The White House expressed concerns over potential arms exports from North Korea to Russia, emphasizing that such exports would violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions, including those Russia voted to adopt.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his willingness to meet Kim “without pre-conditions.” South Korea’s Foreign Minister Park Jin indicated that Seoul was considering additional sanctions against Moscow and Pyongyang if an arms deal were to materialize, describing it as a threat to peace and security on the Korean peninsula.

Source: with agencies