North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has made a surprise decision to stay longer in Russia, where he was having a meeting with President Vladimir Putin for a possible agreement on buying weapons.
The couple talked about ways they could work together in the military on Wednesday.
Mr Putin said yes to visiting North Korea when Mr. Kim invited him, according to a spokesperson from the Kremlin.
The US has warned that if anyone helps Moscow in its war against Ukraine, it would be against UN resolutions.
Mr Kim was warmly welcomed by Mr. Putin at the Vostochny space centre in Russia’s far east on Wednesday. The North Korean leader traveled there for two days in his private luxury bulletproof train.
Russian state media released video showing the two leaders smiling as they greeted each other with a handshake. Putin then personally accompanied Mr. Kim as they toured the space center.
They also gave each other presents, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Putin gave Mr. Kim a glove from a spacesuit that had been to space multiple times and also gave him a rifle made in Russia. Mr Kim gave Mr Putin a gun from North Korea, along with other gifts.
Mr Putin went back to Moscow after the meeting, but Mr. Kim’s visit would continue for a few more days, according to Mr. Peskov, who didn’t provide more details.
The leader of North Korea was going to watch Russian warships and also visit some factories and the city of Vladivostok before going back home.
The meeting on Wednesday happened when the two punished governments met, and their relationships with the Western countries are currently very bad.
The two leaders talked about the military and the war in Ukraine during the summit. Kim seemed to show support for the war.
“Russia is engaging in a serious fight to defend its independence and safety against Western powers,” Mr. Kim expressed, assuring Mr. Putin that he will consistently back him.
Mr Putin also mentioned that he would assist Pyongyang in creating satellites. This made the United States worried because they believe that Russian assistance with satellite technology could enhance North Korea’s missile program.
“That is very concerning and could potentially break several rules set by the UN Security Council,” said Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, on Wednesday. Russia had previously agreed to these rules.
Mr Putin seemed to agree that there were some restrictions or limitations when it came to military collaboration.
The United States has said it will take action if North Korea gives weapons to Russia. In response, Russia said they care about their relationship with North Korea and don’t care about warnings from the US.
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