N Korea’s Kim to visit Russia, meet Putin

North Korea said yesterday that leader Kim Jong Un would visit Russia and meet President Vladimir Putin, with the reclusive leader's armoured train reportedly on its way to the border.

Experts suggest that Putin is seeking artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea for Moscow's war in Ukraine, while Kim is reportedly in search of advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as food aid for his impoverished nation.

Kim "will soon visit the Russian Federation at the invitation of ... Putin," the North's official Korean Central News Agency said.

"The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un will meet and have a talk with Comrade Putin during the visit," it added. The Kremlin also confirmed yesterday that Kim would visit Russia "in the coming days".

The announcement ends days of speculation after US and other officials told The New York Times at the weekend that Kim, who rarely leaves North Korea, was likely to head by armoured train to Vladivostok for arms talks with Putin.

Kim has not travelled outside North Korea since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted an unidentified official as saying "intelligence authorities believe the train presumed to be carrying Kim Jong-un is moving to Vladivostok".

Broadcaster YTN said Seoul "expects that Chairman Kim will hold a meeting with President Putin of Russia around the day after tomorrow", meaning Wednesday.

Moscow, a historical ally of Pyongyang, was a crucial backer of the isolated country for decades and their ties go back to the founding of North Korea 75 years ago.

Kim has been steadfast in his support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles.

In July, Putin hailed Pyongyang's "firm support for special military operations against Ukraine".

Vladivostok will be hosting the Eastern Economic Forum until Wednesday.

The White House warned last week that Pyongyang would "pay a price" if it supplies Moscow with weaponry for its war in Ukraine.