Kim Jong-un meets Putin, vows unwavering support for Russia

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia and met with President Vladimir Putin, indicating a growing alignment between the two isolated leaders of nuclear-armed states.

During the summit, Kim pledged support for Russia's "just fight," raising concerns about potential ammunition supplies for Moscow's conflict in Ukraine, as warned by the US.

Notably, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast while Kim was in Russia for these meetings, a rare occurrence during his overseas trips.

The leaders convened at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, emphasising the alignment of their interests in the face of escalating confrontations with the United States.

Putin showcased Russia's advanced space rocket launch site to Kim, sparking discussions and questions about rocket technology and military reconnaissance satellites.

Kim appears to seek Russian assistance in developing military reconnaissance satellites, seen as crucial for enhancing the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear-capable missiles.

In their opening remarks, Putin welcomed Kim to Russia, and discussions were expected to cover economic cooperation, humanitarian issues, and regional situations.

Kim expressed support for Moscow's efforts to defend its interests, presumably alluding to Russia's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

The talks between Kim and Putin lasted four to five hours, with hints of military cooperation discussed but with few disclosed details.

Following the summit, Kim toured weapons factories, possibly aiming to encourage the modernization of North Korean weaponry and explore potential exports of artillery and supplies to Russia.