Russia and North Korea are further strengthening their strategic partnership, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirming deepening ties.

The growing relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has drawn international attention amid heightened geopolitical tensions and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Both sides have increasingly emphasized closer cooperation and strategic coordination.

Watch this report for the latest developments in Russia-North Korea relations and what the deepening partnership could mean for regional and global geopolitics.

Russia & North Korea Boost Ties | Putin & Kim Reaffirm Deepening Strategic Partnership

A video showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's aides quickly wiping down furniture and objects he touched after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin has gone viral — and sparked intense speculation.

The footage, captured during the Victory Parade in Beijing where Kim, Putin, and Xi Jinping met together for the first time, shows Kim’s staff meticulously cleaning the backrest of his chair and removing his drinking glass.

While no official reason has been given, theories are circulating online — including the idea that North Korea may be attempting to prevent foreign agencies from collecting biological material. Similar claims have previously surfaced about Russia's own security services collecting President Putin's waste while abroad to protect sensitive health information.

Kim Jong Un’s aides clean furniture after Putin meeting | DNA erasure theory goes viral

Russia transferred more than 70 animals, including an African lion and two brown bears, to a zoo in the North Korean capital Pyongyang from Moscow's zoo, the Russian government said on Wednesday.

Russia transferred more than 70 animals, including an African lion and two brown bears, to a zoo in the North Korean capital Pyongyang from Moscow's zoo, the Russian government said on Wednesday. The animals were "a gift from (Russian President) Vladimir Putin to the Korean people", the government said. Alexander Kozlov, Russia's natural resources minister, oversaw the relocation of the animals, who were transported by plane to the Pyongyang Central Zoo accompanied by veterinarians from the Moscow Zoo. Pictures published by the Russian government showed a white cockatoo travelling in a crate and Kozlov receiving a tour of the Korean zoo from local officials. Also read: ‘I feel like Bin Laden,’ Florida man arrested by FBI for planning to bomb NYSE North Korean state media KCNA said on Thursday that it had received rare animals as gifts from Putin. Russia in April donated birds, including eagles, cranes and parrots to the Pyongyang Central Zoo. Pyongyang and Moscow have forged closer ties since Putin visited the country in June and concluded a treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim gifted Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, a local breed, during that trip. The two also took turns driving each other around in a Russian-built Aurus limousine. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Putin sends African lion, rare animals to Pyongyang zoo as a ‘gift to the Korean people’

South Korea said Thursday that it would consider sending arms to Ukraine, a major policy change suggested after Russia and North Korea rattled the region and beyond by signing a pact to come to each other’s defense in the event of war.

The comments from a senior presidential official came hours after North Korea’s state media released the details of the agreement, which observers said could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. It comes at a time when Russia faces growing isolation over its war in Ukraine and both countries face escalating standoffs with the West.

According to the text of the deal published by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency, if either country gets invaded and is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy “all means at its disposal without delay” to provide “military and other assistance.” But the agreement also says that such actions must be in accordance with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes a U.N. member state’s right to self-defense.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the pact at a summit Wednesday in Pyongyang. Both described it as a major upgrade of bilateral relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian ties.

The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a statement condemning the agreement, calling it a threat to the South’s security and a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and warned that it would have negative consequences on Seoul’s relations with Moscow.

“It’s absurd that two parties with a history of launching wars of invasion — the Korean War and the war in Ukraine — are now vowing mutual military cooperation on the premise of a preemptive attack by the international community that will never happen,” Yoon’s office said.

At the United Nations in New York, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul called it “deplorable” that Russia would act in violation of multiple U.N. sanctions resolutions against North Korea that Moscow voted for.

Yoon’s national security adviser, Chang Ho-jin, said Seoul would reconsider the issue of providing arms to Ukraine to help the country fight off Russia’s invasion.

South Korea, a growing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But it has not directly provided arms to Kyiv, citing a longstanding policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict.

The summit between Kim and Putin came as the U.S. and its allies expressed growing concern over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile program.

Following their summit, Kim said the two countries had a “fiery friendship,” and that the deal was their “strongest-ever treaty,” putting the relationship at the level of an alliance. He vowed full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Putin called it a “breakthrough document” reflecting shared desires to move relations to a higher level.

North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscow’s military intervention if the North came under attack. The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced by one in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances.

There’s ongoing debate on how strong of a security commitment the deal entails. While some analysts see the agreement as a full restoration of the countries’ Cold War-era alliance, others say the deal seems more symbolic than substantial.

Ankit Panda, a senior analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the text appeared to be carefully worded as to not imply automatic military invention. 
But “the big picture here is that both sides are willing to put down on paper, and show the world, just how widely they intend to expand the scope of their cooperation,” he said.

The deal was made as Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, a trip that showcased their personal and geopolitical ties with Kim hugging Putin twice at the airport, their motorcade rolling past giant Russian flags and Putin portraits, and a welcoming ceremony at Pyongyang’s main square attended by what appeared to be tens of thousands of spectators.

According to KCNA, the agreement also states that Pyongyang and Moscow must not enter into agreements with third parties if they infringe on the “core interests” of any of them and must not participate in actions that threaten those interests.

KCNA said the agreement requires the countries to take steps to prepare joint measures for the purpose of strengthening their defense capabilities to prevent war and protect regional and global peace and security. The agency didn’t specify what those steps are, or whether they would include combined military training and other cooperation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-pyongyang-yawn-social-media-buzzes-over-videos-of-bored-putin-at-north-korean-concert-733542">Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics</a>

The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a “just and multipolar new world order,” KCNA said, underscoring how the countries are aligning in face of their separate confrontations with the United States.

How the pact affects Russia’s relations with the South is a key development to watch, said Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and director of the North Korea-focused 38 North website.

“Seoul had already signed onto sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, souring its relations with Moscow. Now with any ambiguity of Russia’s partnership with North Korea removed, how will Seoul respond?” she said. “Is there a point where it decides to cut or suspend diplomatic ties with Russia or expel its ambassador? And have we reached it?”

Kim in recent months has made Russia his priority as he pushes a foreign policy aimed at expanding relations with countries confronting Washington, embracing the idea of a “new Cold War” and trying to display a united front in Putin’s broader conflicts with the West.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, with the pace of both Kim’s weapons tests and combined military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea and Japan intensifying in a tit-for-tat cycle.

The Koreas also have engaged in Cold War-style psychological warfare that involved North Korea dropping tons of trash on the South with balloons, and the South broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda with its loudspeakers.

South Korea said Thursday that it would consider sending arms to Ukraine, a major policy change suggested after Russia and North Korea rattled the region and beyond by signing a pact to come to each other’s defense in the event of war.

South Korea said Thursday that it would consider sending arms to Ukraine, a major policy change suggested after Russia and North Korea rattled the region and beyond by signing a pact to come to each other’s defense in the event of war. The comments from a senior presidential official came hours after North Korea’s state media released the details of the agreement, which observers said could mark the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. It comes at a time when Russia faces growing isolation over its war in Ukraine and both countries face escalating standoffs with the West. According to the text of the deal published by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency, if either country gets invaded and is pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy “all means at its disposal without delay” to provide “military and other assistance.” But the agreement also says that such actions must be in accordance with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes a U.N. member state’s right to self-defense. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the pact at a summit Wednesday in Pyongyang. Both described it as a major upgrade of bilateral relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian ties. The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a statement condemning the agreement, calling it a threat to the South’s security and a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and warned that it would have negative consequences on Seoul’s relations with Moscow. “It’s absurd that two parties with a history of launching wars of invasion — the Korean War and the war in Ukraine — are now vowing mutual military cooperation on the premise of a preemptive attack by the international community that will never happen,” Yoon’s office said. At the United Nations in New York, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul called it “deplorable” that Russia would act in violation of multiple U.N. sanctions resolutions against North Korea that Moscow voted for. Yoon’s national security adviser, Chang Ho-jin, said Seoul would reconsider the issue of providing arms to Ukraine to help the country fight off Russia’s invasion. South Korea, a growing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining U.S.-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But it has not directly provided arms to Kyiv, citing a longstanding policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict. The summit between Kim and Putin came as the U.S. and its allies expressed growing concern over a possible arms arrangement in which Pyongyang provides Moscow with badly needed munitions for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile program. Following their summit, Kim said the two countries had a “fiery friendship,” and that the deal was their “strongest-ever treaty,” putting the relationship at the level of an alliance. He vowed full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Putin called it a “breakthrough document” reflecting shared desires to move relations to a higher level. North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscow’s military intervention if the North came under attack. The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced by one in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances. There’s ongoing debate on how strong of a security commitment the deal entails. While some analysts see the agreement as a full restoration of the countries’ Cold War-era alliance, others say the deal seems more symbolic than substantial. Ankit Panda, a senior analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the text appeared to be carefully worded as to not imply automatic military invention. But “the big picture here is that both sides are willing to put down on paper, and show the world, just how widely they intend to expand the scope of their cooperation,” he said. The deal was made as Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years, a trip that showcased their personal and geopolitical ties with Kim hugging Putin twice at the airport, their motorcade rolling past giant Russian flags and Putin portraits, and a welcoming ceremony at Pyongyang’s main square attended by what appeared to be tens of thousands of spectators. According to KCNA, the agreement also states that Pyongyang and Moscow must not enter into agreements with third parties if they infringe on the “core interests” of any of them and must not participate in actions that threaten those interests. KCNA said the agreement requires the countries to take steps to prepare joint measures for the purpose of strengthening their defense capabilities to prevent war and protect regional and global peace and security. The agency didn’t specify what those steps are, or whether they would include combined military training and other cooperation. Also read: Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics The agreement also calls for the countries to actively cooperate in efforts to establish a “just and multipolar new world order,” KCNA said, underscoring how the countries are aligning in face of their separate confrontations with the United States. How the pact affects Russia’s relations with the South is a key development to watch, said Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and director of the North Korea-focused 38 North website. “Seoul had already signed onto sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, souring its relations with Moscow. Now with any ambiguity of Russia’s partnership with North Korea removed, how will Seoul respond?” she said. “Is there a point where it decides to cut or suspend diplomatic ties with Russia or expel its ambassador? And have we reached it?” Kim in recent months has made Russia his priority as he pushes a foreign policy aimed at expanding relations with countries confronting Washington, embracing the idea of a “new Cold War” and trying to display a united front in Putin’s broader conflicts with the West. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years, with the pace of both Kim’s weapons tests and combined military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea and Japan intensifying in a tit-for-tat cycle. The Koreas also have engaged in Cold War-style psychological warfare that involved North Korea dropping tons of trash on the South with balloons, and the South broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda with its loudspeakers.

South Korea will consider supplying arms to Ukraine after Russia and North Korea sign strategic pact

North Korea on Saturday (October 28) criticised USA condemnation its expanding ties with Russia as politicised and distorted saying it was "steadfast will" of Pyongyang that was behind its decision to expand ties.

Choe Son Hui, the North Korean Foreign Minister spoke against military cooperation between South Korea, Japan and the US and said that if security in the region is threatened, North Korea's relations with Russia will be a "powerful strategic element'.

"It is the steadfast will and stand of the DPRK to comprehensively expand and develop the bilateral relations with the Russian Federation," Choe said, adding that their ties will reach a "new higher phase through full implementation of the agreements."&nbsp;

The US, Japan and South Korea on Thursday said that they has confirmed 'several' deliveries of weapons from North Korea to Russia and strongly condemned the supply.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine War | European firms helping Russia produce dagger missiles: Report

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"If they were curious to prove that the specific sphere of cooperation between the DPRK and Russia posed a 'threat' to international peace and security, they should have to clarify beforehand why their triangular military alliance is not regarded as a threat to regional peace and security," Choe said in a statement carried by the North's KCNA news agency.

South Korea, Japan and the US have stepped up trilateral security co-operation in order to combat the North's growing nuclear and missile threats.

North Korean and Russian leaders met in September in Russian Far East. This month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ramping-up-production-of-deadly-missiles-with-help-of-european-firms-report-652107">Russia ramping up production of deadly missiles with help of European firms: Report</a>

Just two days ago, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia intends to establish close ties with North Korea 'in all areas'. He was asked about accusations about the ties from the US, Japan and South Korea.

"There are many such reports, they are all groundless as a rule, there are no specifics. Such reports have been around for a long time. We see no point in commenting on this," he said.

He added: "North Korea is our neighbour and we continue and will continue to develop close relations in all areas."

When asked about weapons deliveries and whether they have indeed taken place, Peskov said, "We don't comment on this in any way."

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North Korea on Saturday (October 28) criticised USA condemnation its expanding ties with Russia as politicised and distorted saying it was "steadfast will" of Pyongyang that was behind its decision to expand ties.

North Korea on Saturday (October 28) criticised USA condemnation its expanding ties with Russia as politicised and distorted saying it was "steadfast will" of Pyongyang that was behind its decision to expand ties. Choe Son Hui, the North Korean Foreign Minister spoke against military cooperation between South Korea, Japan and the US and said that if security in the region is threatened, North Korea's relations with Russia will be a "powerful strategic element'. "It is the steadfast will and stand of the DPRK to comprehensively expand and develop the bilateral relations with the Russian Federation," Choe said, adding that their ties will reach a "new higher phase through full implementation of the agreements." The US, Japan and South Korea on Thursday said that they has confirmed 'several' deliveries of weapons from North Korea to Russia and strongly condemned the supply. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War | European firms helping Russia produce dagger missiles: Report × "If they were curious to prove that the specific sphere of cooperation between the DPRK and Russia posed a 'threat' to international peace and security, they should have to clarify beforehand why their triangular military alliance is not regarded as a threat to regional peace and security," Choe said in a statement carried by the North's KCNA news agency. South Korea, Japan and the US have stepped up trilateral security co-operation in order to combat the North's growing nuclear and missile threats. North Korean and Russian leaders met in September in Russian Far East. This month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Also Read | Russia ramping up production of deadly missiles with help of European firms: Report Just two days ago, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia intends to establish close ties with North Korea 'in all areas'. He was asked about accusations about the ties from the US, Japan and South Korea. "There are many such reports, they are all groundless as a rule, there are no specifics. Such reports have been around for a long time. We see no point in commenting on this," he said. He added: "North Korea is our neighbour and we continue and will continue to develop close relations in all areas." When asked about weapons deliveries and whether they have indeed taken place, Peskov said, "We don't comment on this in any way." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

North Korea defends ties with Russia, says US criticism 'distorted'

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok on Saturday during his last leg of the Russia trip.

There, he met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the governor of Russia’s Primorsky region Oleg Kozhemyako.

Sergei Shoigu reportedly took the North Korean leader to the Vladivostok airport just outside the city where he was shown Russia’s nuclear-capable strategic bombers and other warplanes.

Kim was also shown with the Hypersonic Kinzhal missile, along with three models of strategic bombers—The Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3.

“It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again,” Shoigu told Kim of one of the aircraft.

<h2>Kim 'impressed'</h2>

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday that Kim was impressed with what he described as Russia’s rapidly advancing aviation technologies.&nbsp;

He also said that the technological development in Russia was “outpacing the outside potential threats.”

<h2>Russia 'not to violate'&nbsp;any sanction on North Korea</h2>

Kim, who has been visiting Russia since Wednesday (Sept 13), held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral summit.&nbsp;

The visit has triggered speculations and concerns in the West that Russia and North Korea might forge a military alliance in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.

WATCH:&nbsp;What’s the Russia – North Korea game plan?

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It is being speculated that Russia might explore purchasing arms from North Korea, and in return, help the heavily-sanctioned and isolated regime develop its missile programme.

However, the Russian leader told reporters Wednesday that Moscow was “not going to violate anything”, referring to longstanding sanctions imposed on North Korea by the United Nations.

<h2>US issues warning</h2>

The US has warned that Russia’s move to gain access to North Korea’s stockpiles will amount to a violation of UN sanctions and will be met by a strong retaliation.

The US also claimed that Russia was going to buy rockets from Pyongyang to use them against Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/north-koreas-kim-inspects-west-sanctioned-fighter-jet-plant-in-russian-far-east-636398">Also read:&nbsp;North Korea's Kim inspects West-sanctioned fighter jet plant in Russian Far East</a>

Meanwhile, Putin earlier said he would help North Korea develop satellites, further drawing concerns from the US.&nbsp;

"That is quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions" which Russia itself had voted for in the past, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok on Saturday during his last leg of the Russia trip. There, he met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the governor of Russia’s Primorsky region Oleg Kozhemyako.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok on Saturday during his last leg of the Russia trip. There, he met with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the governor of Russia’s Primorsky region Oleg Kozhemyako. Sergei Shoigu reportedly took the North Korean leader to the Vladivostok airport just outside the city where he was shown Russia’s nuclear-capable strategic bombers and other warplanes. Kim was also shown with the Hypersonic Kinzhal missile, along with three models of strategic bombers—The Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3. “It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again,” Shoigu told Kim of one of the aircraft. Kim 'impressed' North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday that Kim was impressed with what he described as Russia’s rapidly advancing aviation technologies. He also said that the technological development in Russia was “outpacing the outside potential threats.” Russia 'not to violate' any sanction on North Korea Kim, who has been visiting Russia since Wednesday (Sept 13), held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral summit. The visit has triggered speculations and concerns in the West that Russia and North Korea might forge a military alliance in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. WATCH: What’s the Russia – North Korea game plan? × It is being speculated that Russia might explore purchasing arms from North Korea, and in return, help the heavily-sanctioned and isolated regime develop its missile programme. However, the Russian leader told reporters Wednesday that Moscow was “not going to violate anything”, referring to longstanding sanctions imposed on North Korea by the United Nations. US issues warning The US has warned that Russia’s move to gain access to North Korea’s stockpiles will amount to a violation of UN sanctions and will be met by a strong retaliation. The US also claimed that Russia was going to buy rockets from Pyongyang to use them against Ukraine. Also read: North Korea's Kim inspects West-sanctioned fighter jet plant in Russian Far East Meanwhile, Putin earlier said he would help North Korea develop satellites, further drawing concerns from the US. "That is quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions" which Russia itself had voted for in the past, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Wednesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia’s defence min shows bombers and missiles to Kim during last leg of trip

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un might have proclaimed to be friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his scepticism accompanied him while on Russian soil for talks with Putin.&nbsp;Kim's officials&nbsp;checked his chair thoroughly before he was seated, allegedly scanning it for radiation and other booby traps ahead of the talks with Putin.

A video of the incident has emerged on social media, showing an official firmly wiping Kim’s chair as part of the protocol designed to keep the ‘supreme’ leader safe. Other officials&nbsp;hovered over the man, ready with more cleaning supplies if needed.

One of them can be seen scanning the chair with a small metal detector-like device.

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Russia🚨 North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's chair was reportedly thoroughly examined and tested for radiation by his security officials ahead of talks with Vladimir Putin. <a href="https://t.co/DFAGe6TzrC">pic.twitter.com/DFAGe6TzrC</a>
— OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/OsintUpdates/status/1701979437393428515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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As per media reports, the chair was also checked to ensure it would carry Kim’s weight&nbsp;as the leader is believed to be over 140 kg. Apparently, the chair being used is an IKEA model that comes with&nbsp;no rear legs and instead has just one single, curved frame.

Shortly after the checks were done, Putin and Kim sat together to put up a strong face against the West and show support for Russia’s ‘sacred fight’ against Ukraine.

<h2>Kim ‘refused’ to travel on a plane</h2>

The highly precarious leader of North Korea is also believed to have refused to take a plane to travel to the Far East region of Russia and instead opted for a luxurious train to embark on his first foreign visit since 2019.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-accepts-kims-invitation-to-visit-north-korea-635792">Also read:&nbsp;Putin accepts Kim`s invitation to visit North Korea</a>

UK media reported that this was because Kim felt ‘unsafe’ in Russian skies as one tourist plane crash-landed in the same region a few days back.

<h2>Putin shows his private car to Kim</h2>

Reuters reported Thursday that ahead of their summit on Wednesday (Sept 13), Putin and Kim inspected the space launch facilities of the modern Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea fires two ballistic missile ahead of Kim Jong Un-Vladimir Putin meet

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Later, they strolled towards Putin's presidential Aurus limousine parked in the driveway.

North Korea's KCNA news agency said on Thursday "Putin showed his private car to Kim Jong Un before having a warm talk".

The Aurus Senat limousine was developed by the Russian state automotive institute known by its acronym NAMI.

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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un might have proclaimed to be friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his scepticism accompanied him while on Russian soil for talks with Putin.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un might have proclaimed to be friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but his scepticism accompanied him while on Russian soil for talks with Putin. Kim's officials checked his chair thoroughly before he was seated, allegedly scanning it for radiation and other booby traps ahead of the talks with Putin. A video of the incident has emerged on social media, showing an official firmly wiping Kim’s chair as part of the protocol designed to keep the ‘supreme’ leader safe. Other officials hovered over the man, ready with more cleaning supplies if needed. One of them can be seen scanning the chair with a small metal detector-like device. Russia🚨 North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's chair was reportedly thoroughly examined and tested for radiation by his security officials ahead of talks with Vladimir Putin. pic.twitter.com/DFAGe6TzrC — OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) September 13, 2023 × As per media reports, the chair was also checked to ensure it would carry Kim’s weight as the leader is believed to be over 140 kg. Apparently, the chair being used is an IKEA model that comes with no rear legs and instead has just one single, curved frame. Shortly after the checks were done, Putin and Kim sat together to put up a strong face against the West and show support for Russia’s ‘sacred fight’ against Ukraine. Kim ‘refused’ to travel on a plane The highly precarious leader of North Korea is also believed to have refused to take a plane to travel to the Far East region of Russia and instead opted for a luxurious train to embark on his first foreign visit since 2019. Also read: Putin accepts Kim`s invitation to visit North Korea UK media reported that this was because Kim felt ‘unsafe’ in Russian skies as one tourist plane crash-landed in the same region a few days back. Putin shows his private car to Kim Reuters reported Thursday that ahead of their summit on Wednesday (Sept 13), Putin and Kim inspected the space launch facilities of the modern Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East. Watch: North Korea fires two ballistic missile ahead of Kim Jong Un-Vladimir Putin meet × Later, they strolled towards Putin's presidential Aurus limousine parked in the driveway. North Korea's KCNA news agency said on Thursday "Putin showed his private car to Kim Jong Un before having a warm talk". The Aurus Senat limousine was developed by the Russian state automotive institute known by its acronym NAMI. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Watch: Kim Jong Un's chair cleaned & scanned by his officials ahead of talks with Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest to “expand the comprehensive and constructive bilateral relations” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Pyongyang’s state media reported on Monday.

According to KCNA&nbsp;news agency said, Putin sent a letter to Kim on the 77th anniversary of the end of Japan’s occupation of the Korean peninsula, where he stressed that closer ties would be in the interest of both countries.

It would help solidify the security and stability of the Korean peninsula and the Northeastern Asian region, Putin said in the letter, reports Reuters.

The North Korean leader also voiced his response through his letter saying that the Russian-North Korean friendship had been forged in World War II with victory over Japan, which had occupied the Korean peninsula.

Kim said that the “strategic and tactical cooperation, support and solidarity” between the two countries have since reached a new level in their common efforts to frustrate threats and provocations from hostile military forces.

Though KCNA did not describe who the hostile forces were, the term is generally used in North Korea to refer to the United States and its allies.

Kim expressed hope that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang would grow based on the 2019 agreement signed when he met with Vladimir Putin.

North Korea is considered a close ally of Russia. It had recently recognised two Russian-backed breakaway “people’s republics” in eastern Ukraine as independent states.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-offering-100000-troops-to-help-russia-win-ukrainian-war-state-media-505028">North Korea offering 100,000 troops to help Russia win Ukrainian war: State media</a>

Moreover, reports are swirling around that North Korea has reportedly offered 100,000 "volunteer" troops to help bolster Russia’s chances of invading Ukraine.

“There are reports that 100,000 North Korean volunteers are prepared to come and take part in the conflict,” Russian defence analyst Igor Korotchenko told Russian Channel One, reports New York Post.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-wired-nuclear-power-plant-with-explosives-ukraine-504910">Russia has wired nuclear power plant with explosives: Ukraine</a>

“If North Korea expresses a desire to meet its international duty to fight against Ukrainian fascism, we should let them,”&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk110931379">Korotchenko</a>&nbsp;was quoted as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest to “expand the comprehensive and constructive bilateral relations” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Pyongyang’s state media reported on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest to “expand the comprehensive and constructive bilateral relations” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Pyongyang’s state media reported on Monday. According to KCNA news agency said, Putin sent a letter to Kim on the 77th anniversary of the end of Japan’s occupation of the Korean peninsula, where he stressed that closer ties would be in the interest of both countries. It would help solidify the security and stability of the Korean peninsula and the Northeastern Asian region, Putin said in the letter, reports Reuters. The North Korean leader also voiced his response through his letter saying that the Russian-North Korean friendship had been forged in World War II with victory over Japan, which had occupied the Korean peninsula. Kim said that the “strategic and tactical cooperation, support and solidarity” between the two countries have since reached a new level in their common efforts to frustrate threats and provocations from hostile military forces. Though KCNA did not describe who the hostile forces were, the term is generally used in North Korea to refer to the United States and its allies. Kim expressed hope that the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang would grow based on the 2019 agreement signed when he met with Vladimir Putin. North Korea is considered a close ally of Russia. It had recently recognised two Russian-backed breakaway “people’s republics” in eastern Ukraine as independent states. Also read | North Korea offering 100,000 troops to help Russia win Ukrainian war: State media Moreover, reports are swirling around that North Korea has reportedly offered 100,000 "volunteer" troops to help bolster Russia’s chances of invading Ukraine. “There are reports that 100,000 North Korean volunteers are prepared to come and take part in the conflict,” Russian defence analyst Igor Korotchenko told Russian Channel One, reports New York Post. Also read | Russia has wired nuclear power plant with explosives: Ukraine “If North Korea expresses a desire to meet its international duty to fight against Ukrainian fascism, we should let them,” Korotchenko was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin and Kim Jong Un exchange letters, talk of expanding bilateral ties to counter 'hostile military forces'

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned on Friday that failure to curb North Korea`s nuclear and missile development could lead to `catastrophic consequences,` while China and Russia cautioned Washington against threatening military force. 
 
Washington has recently lavished praise on Beijing for its efforts to rein in its ally Pyongyang, but Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made clear to the UN&nbsp;Security Council it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem. 
 
&quot;The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side,&quot; Wang told the 15-member council in remarks contradicting the White House belief that it does wield significant influence. 
 
The ministerial meeting of the council, chaired by Tillerson, exposed old divisions between the United States and China on how to deal with North Korea. China wants talks first and action later, while the United States wants North Korea to curtail its nuclear program before such talks start. 
 
&quot;It is necessary to put aside the debate over who should take the first step and stop arguing who is right and who is wrong,&quot; Wang told the council. &quot;Now is the time to seriously consider resuming talks.&quot; 
 
Tillerson responded: &quot;We will not negotiate our way back to the negotiating table with North Korea, we will not reward their violations of past resolutions, we will not reward their bad behavior with talks.&quot; 
 
North Korea did not take part in the meeting.&nbsp; 
 
In Tillerson`s first visit to the United Nations he scolded the Security Council for not fully enforcing sanctions against North Korea, saying if the body had acted, tensions over its nuclear program might not have escalated. 
 
&quot;Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences,&quot; he said. 
 
The United States was not pushing for regime change and preferred a negotiated solution, but Pyongyang, for its own sake, should dismantle its nuclear and missile programs, he said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The threat of a nuclear attack on Seoul, or Tokyo, is real, and it`s only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US&nbsp;mainland,&quot; Tillerson said. 
 
Tillerson repeated the Trump administration`s position that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development, but Wang said military threats would not help. 
 
&#39;Frightening consequences&#39; 
 
Wang said dialogue and negotiations were the &quot;only way out.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters,&quot; he said. 
 
US&nbsp;&nbsp;President Donald Trump said in an interview with Reuters on Thursday that a &quot;major, major conflict&quot; with North Korea was possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.&nbsp; 
 
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov cautioned on Friday that the use of force would be &quot;completely unacceptable.&quot; 
 
&quot;The combative rhetoric coupled with reckless muscle-flexing has led to a situation where the whole world seriously is now wondering whether there`s going to be a war or not,&quot; he told the council. &quot;One ill thought out or misinterpreted step could lead to the most frightening and lamentable consequences.&quot; 
 
Gatilov said North Korea felt threatened by regular joint US&nbsp;and South Korean military exercises and the deployment of a US&nbsp;aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula. 
 
China and Russia both also repeated their opposition to the deployment of a US&nbsp;anti-missile system in South Korea. 
 
Gatilov described it as a &quot;destabilising effort,&quot; while Wang said it damaged trust among the parties on the North Korea issue.&nbsp; 
 
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told the council that to bring North Korea back to the table the international community &quot;must send a strong message that provocation comes at a high price.&quot; 
 
&quot;There is no doubt that dialogue is necessary ... however under the current situation where North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, meaningful dialogue is clearly not possible,&quot; he said. 
 
The Trump administration is focusing its North Korea strategy on tougher economic sanctions, possibly including an oil embargo, a global ban on its airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang, US&nbsp;officials told Reuters earlier this month. 
 
Since 2006, North Korea has been subject to UN&nbsp;sanctions aimed at impeding the development of its nuclear and missile programs. The council has strengthened sanctions following each of North Korea`s five nuclear tests. 
 
(Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

China and Russia cautioned Washington against threatening military force

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned on Friday that failure to curb North Korea`s nuclear and missile development could lead to `catastrophic consequences,` while China and Russia cautioned Washington against threatening military force. Washington has recently lavished praise on Beijing for its efforts to rein in its ally Pyongyang, but Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made clear to the UN Security Council it was not only up to China to solve the North Korean problem. "The key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side," Wang told the 15-member council in remarks contradicting the White House belief that it does wield significant influence. The ministerial meeting of the council, chaired by Tillerson, exposed old divisions between the United States and China on how to deal with North Korea. China wants talks first and action later, while the United States wants North Korea to curtail its nuclear program before such talks start. "It is necessary to put aside the debate over who should take the first step and stop arguing who is right and who is wrong," Wang told the council. "Now is the time to seriously consider resuming talks." Tillerson responded: "We will not negotiate our way back to the negotiating table with North Korea, we will not reward their violations of past resolutions, we will not reward their bad behavior with talks." North Korea did not take part in the meeting. In Tillerson`s first visit to the United Nations he scolded the Security Council for not fully enforcing sanctions against North Korea, saying if the body had acted, tensions over its nuclear program might not have escalated. "Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in the world may bring catastrophic consequences," he said. The United States was not pushing for regime change and preferred a negotiated solution, but Pyongyang, for its own sake, should dismantle its nuclear and missile programs, he said. "The threat of a nuclear attack on Seoul, or Tokyo, is real, and it`s only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland," Tillerson said. Tillerson repeated the Trump administration`s position that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development, but Wang said military threats would not help. 'Frightening consequences' Wang said dialogue and negotiations were the "only way out." "The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters," he said. US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Reuters on Thursday that a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov cautioned on Friday that the use of force would be "completely unacceptable." "The combative rhetoric coupled with reckless muscle-flexing has led to a situation where the whole world seriously is now wondering whether there`s going to be a war or not," he told the council. "One ill thought out or misinterpreted step could lead to the most frightening and lamentable consequences." Gatilov said North Korea felt threatened by regular joint US and South Korean military exercises and the deployment of a US aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula. China and Russia both also repeated their opposition to the deployment of a US anti-missile system in South Korea. Gatilov described it as a "destabilising effort," while Wang said it damaged trust among the parties on the North Korea issue. Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told the council that to bring North Korea back to the table the international community "must send a strong message that provocation comes at a high price." "There is no doubt that dialogue is necessary ... however under the current situation where North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, meaningful dialogue is clearly not possible," he said. The Trump administration is focusing its North Korea strategy on tougher economic sanctions, possibly including an oil embargo, a global ban on its airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang, US officials told Reuters earlier this month. Since 2006, North Korea has been subject to UN sanctions aimed at impeding the development of its nuclear and missile programs. The council has strengthened sanctions following each of North Korea`s five nuclear tests. (Reuters)

US says time to act on North Korea, China says not up to Beijing alone