MOSCOW: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded his six-day visit to Russia on Sunday, departing via his heavily armored train, as reported by Russian news agencies. This trip, Kim’s first official journey abroad since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, predominantly centered on military discussions.
Western concerns have arisen, speculating that Moscow and Pyongyang might defy international sanctions and engage in an arms trade agreement. Ria Novosti agency released video footage of Kim’s departure, highlighting a farewell ceremony at the Artyom-Primorsky-1 station. TASS news agency reported that Kim’s train was en route, covering approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) toward the border. The footage captures Kim bidding farewell to a Russian delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, with the Russian anthem “Farewell of Slavianka” playing as the train departed.
Earlier on Sunday, TASS revealed that Kim received gifts from a regional governor, including five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone, and a bulletproof vest. The report specified that Kim received “five kamikaze drones and a ‘Geran-25’ reconnaissance drone with vertical takeoff,” using North Korea’s official nomenclature. Additionally, the governor of the Primorye region, bordering China and North Korea, presented Kim Jong Un with bulletproof protection and specialized clothing that is not detectable by thermal cameras.
On the previous day, Kim met with the Russian defense minister in Vladivostok, where he inspected cutting-edge weaponry, including a hypersonic missile system. Throughout Kim’s extended tour of Russia’s far eastern region, which commenced on Tuesday, the emphasis remained squarely on military matters. This was evident through his entourage primarily consisting of military officers, a symbolic exchange of rifles with President Vladimir Putin, and a visit to a fighter jet factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
Speculation has arisen that Moscow may seek to purchase North Korean ammunition for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Pyongyang desires Russian assistance in advancing its internationally condemned missile program. The Kremlin has stated that no formal agreements have been reached or will be signed.
In addition to his military engagements, Kim also met with North Korean students studying in Vladivostok on Sunday. North Korean news agency KCNA has portrayed Kim’s visit as having a “fervent and warm” atmosphere, heralding a “new era of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation” between North Korea and Russia.
Source: Reuters
