Kim Jong Un Touches Down in Russia for High-Stakes Summit with Putin
North Korean boss Kim Jong Un has arrived in Russia in his famously secretive private train. He’s set to sit down with Vladimir Putin amid mounting global tension over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Secretive Train Journey Sparks Speculation
North Korea’s state media confirmed Kim’s departure from Pyongyang on Tuesday, but where exactly he’ll meet Putin remains a mystery. Reports say his train is heading north, away from Vladivostok, stirring rumours about the secret venue.
Arms Deal Talks on the Table
A US source reveals the summit will likely focus on a major arms deal — crucial as Moscow braces against Ukraine’s counter-offensive. The Kremlin calls it a “fully fledged visit” to discuss “bilateral relations, regional situations, and global affairs.” The meeting is expected in the coming days.
Warm Welcome and Strategic Moots at the Border
Kim stepped off his armoured train at Khasan station to a warm Russian reception, including talks with Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s natural resources minister. Their chat covered potential tourism and agriculture projects for 2024.
The train itself is a beast — at least 20 heavily fortified carriages crawling at just 37 mph for security, consistent with Kim’s cautious travel style.
Where Will They Meet? Putin Keeps Cards Close
One hot tip is the Vostochny Cosmodrome near the China border — Russia’s first commercial spaceport and a cornerstone project for Putin. But the Russian president stayed coy, saying: “When I get there, you will know.”
Kim last visited Vladivostok in 2019, meeting Putin during stalled nuclear talks with then-US president Donald Trump.
