North Korean media report that Kim was briefed on space vehicles during his meetings in Russia, though no specific detail of any deal has emerged
Kim Jong-un invited President Vladimir Putin to visit North Korea during their meeting in Russia on Wednesday, Pyongyang’s state media reported, amid warnings that Kim was poised to offer the Kremlin artillery shells and other munitions for the war in Ukraine.
Kim told Putin that their closely watched meeting had brought bilateral ties to a new level, and expressed his willingness to foster stable, future-oriented relations for the next 100 years, news agency KCNA said.
The report went on to say that Kim was briefed on technical details about Russian space vehicles during his visit to a cosmodrome, but there was no mention of any arms supplies, trade of weapons or technical assistance over weapons programs.
Japan’s Kyodo news agency quoted sources saying Kim was scheduled to visit a factory that manufactures Sukhoi fighter jets and other aircraft after the talks with Putin.
US and South Korean officials have expressed concern that Kim could provide weapons and ammunition to Russia, which has expended vast stocks in more than 18 months of war in Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied such intentions.
On Wednesday, Putin gave numerous hints that military cooperation was discussed at the summit, but disclosed few details. Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, attended the talks.
