[gpt3] Rewrite this title: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrives in Russia before an expected meeting with Putin [/gpt4]

By Better Today On Sep 12, 2023

## North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Arrives in Russia Amid Western Concerns

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by top military officials, arrived in Russia on Tuesday for a rare [meeting with President Vladimir Putin](https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-russia-kim-putin-summit-c44735b9903e6f30e7e8d673ef4c77f3). This meeting has ignited Western apprehensions about a potential arms deal for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. North Korea’s official news agency reported that Kim traveled from Pyongyang on [his personal train](https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-russia-kim-putin-train-dc492f89e8ec39f0ecf5833b1d647d1d) on Sunday alongside unspecified members of North Korea’s ruling party, government, and military.

Jeon Ha Gyu, South Korea’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, confirmed that Kim’s train crossed into Russia early Tuesday. North Korean state media released photographs of Kim waving from his armored train before it left the station. The leader’s delegation likely includes his foreign minister, Choe Sun Hui, and top military officials such as Korean People’s Army Marshals Ri Pyong Chol and Pak Jong Chon.

## Kim-Putin Meeting: The Expected Agenda

The Kremlin’s website announced Putin’s invitation to Kim for a visit “in the coming days.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin and Kim would lead their delegations in talks and could potentially meet “one-on-one if necessary.” Putin will also host an official dinner for Kim.

Peskov said the discussions would center on bilateral ties. He added, “As with any of our neighbors, we feel obliged to develop good, mutually beneficial relations.” The meeting might take place in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, where Putin arrived on Monday for an international forum. This city was also the site of Putin’s first meeting with Kim in 2019.

## Concerns Over Potential Arms Deal

U.S. officials released intelligence last week that North Korea and Russia were arranging a meeting between their leaders as they expand their cooperation in the face of deepening confrontations with the United States. According to U.S. officials, Putin could focus on [securing more supplies of North Korean artillery](https://associatedpress.slack.com/archives/D7UD9N9C2/p1694422600504199) and other ammunition to replenish declining reserves as he seeks to manage a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said, “Arms discussions between Russia and the DPRK are expected to continue during Kim Jong Un’s trip to Russia.” She urged North Korea to adhere to its public commitments not to provide or sell arms to Russia.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller reiterated that any transfer of arms from North Korea to Russia would violate multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. He warned that the U.S. “will not hesitate to impose new sanctions” in response.

## Anticipated Outcomes of the Visit

This visit is Kim’s first foreign trip since the COVID-19 pandemic. He has used his personal train for previous meetings with Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kim’s delegation possibly includes Pak Thae Song, chairman of North Korea’s space science and technology committee, and Navy Admiral Kim Myong Sik, who are associated with North Korean efforts to acquire spy satellites and nuclear-capable submarines.

Russia and North Korea have been drawing closer since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The bond has been driven by Putin’s need for war help and Kim’s efforts to boost his partnerships with traditional allies Moscow and Beijing. Follow AP’s coverage at [https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine](https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine).

Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-09-12 01:50:00