North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged “unwavering support and solidarity” for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang. Putin stated that Moscow is combating the long-standing “hegemonic and imperialist policy” of the United States and its allies.

On Wednesday, Putin expressed his gratitude to Kim for North Korea's support in Ukraine, and mentioned that the two nations would ink an agreement to enhance their partnership.

The Russian president is on his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, as relations between the two countries have intensified since Moscow’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine. There are rising concerns that North Korea is supplying Russia with weapons in exchange for Russian technological expertise.

Both Russia and North Korea have denied such weapons transfers but have vowed to fortify military ties.

Red Carpet Welcome

Putin arrived in the North Korean capital early Wednesday, where Kim greeted him despite the early hour. The two leaders shook hands and embraced, with a woman in traditional Korean attire presenting Putin with a bouquet of red roses.

Kim then joined Putin in his limousine as they journeyed together in a motorcade, through streets adorned with Russian flags and portraits of Putin, to the Kumsusan State Guest House.

At an official welcoming ceremony held at Kim Il Sung Square, Putin and Kim were greeted by rows of soldiers in formation and crowds of children in a square decorated with banners and balloons.

Earlier, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA hailed the leaders' meeting as a historic event demonstrating the “invincibility and durability” of North Korea-Russia friendship and unity.

According to KCNA, the relationship between the two countries has “emerged as a strong strategic fortress upholding international justice, peace, and security, and an engine for accelerating the establishment of a new multi-polar world.”

Putin and Kim last met in eastern Russia in September 2023.

Putin is accompanied by high-ranking officials including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Mantrurov.

Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser, mentioned that several documents would be signed during the visit, potentially including an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The visit features a gala concert, a state banquet, and the laying of a wreath at the Liberation Monument, commemorating Red Army soldiers who helped liberate Korea during World War II, as per RIA.

Concerns About Weapons

North Korea has been under stringent United Nations Security Council sanctions for years due to its nuclear arsenal and missile programmes. Russia is also enduring sanctions by the United States and its allies over the Ukraine invasion.

Alongside China, North Korea's main ally, Russia has repeatedly blocked US-led moves to impose new UN sanctions on North Korea’s weapons tests and satellite launches.

In March, a Russian veto ended the monitoring of UN sanctions, leading to Western accusations that Moscow aimed to evade scrutiny as it procures weapons from North Korea for use in Ukraine. US and South Korean officials have stated they are exploring alternatives for monitoring Pyongyang's activities.

In Washington, DC, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked that Putin’s visit to North Korea shows Russia's attempts, “in desperation, to develop and to fortify relations with countries that can furnish it with necessities to continue the aggressive war it initiated against Ukraine.”

“North Korea is supplying substantial munitions to Russia ... and other weapons intended for use in Ukraine. Iran has also supplied weaponry, including drones used against civilians and civilian infrastructure,” Blinken told reporters after a meeting with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday.

Stoltenberg reiterated concerns about the “potential support Russia provides to North Korea concerning their missile and nuclear programmes.”

Tensions have heightened on the Korean Peninsula in recent months, amid North Korea's weapons tests and large-scale military exercises in South Korea.

A 2018 military agreement between the two nations unraveled last year and North Korea has been bolstering its border defenses.

South Korea announced on Tuesday that its forces had to fire warning shots after North Korean troops involved in laying mines and other activities crossed the border inadvertently. A similar incident occurred on June 9.