Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin Meet, Discuss Military Cooperation Amid Tensions

In a rare summit held at Russia’s remote Vostochny spaceport, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in discussions, with Kim expressing his country’s commitment to “fight against imperialism” alongside Russia.

The meeting, their first in more than four years, raised concerns about potential arms negotiations and military cooperation between the two nations. Military cooperation was likely a key topic, with Russia reportedly in need of artillery shells and ammunition from North Korea for its conflict with Ukraine, while North Korea seeks advanced weapons technology from Russia.

The meeting also comes as North Korea has been looking to strengthen ties with Moscow and enhance its weapons development, particularly amid growing security cooperation between South Korea, the US, and Japan.