As G7 leaders who are to meet in Italy this week prepare expanded sanctions on Russia, President Vladmir Putin is soon expected in North Korea. Kim Jong Un on Wednesday hailed his country's ties with Moscow, calling the two powers which actually share a tiny far eastern border "invincible comrades-in-arms".
While a date has yet to be given, the Kremlin has indicated that Putin will travel to Pyongyang at some point this summer, and that the trip is currently "being prepared".
South Korea's Yonhap news agency however said Putin could show up in the North Korean capital "as early as next week" as part of an expected Asian tour that will include Vietnam.
Kim said further that "meaningful" ties with Russia will "further consolidate the eternal milestone" in a new era of relations, according to state KCNA.
Putin will in essence be returning the favor of a visit, after Kim toured Russia's far east last year, and reportedly inspected several weapons and space-related sites.
During that prior trip, Kim had said closer relations with Moscow are his "number one priority" - as both countries find themselves under heavy US-led sanctions.
The Ukraine war, and accompanying Western punitive sanctions, have resulted in Russia forging closer defense and trade ties with US rival, enemies, and 'pariahs' like Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and China. The US has even accused North Korea is supplying immense amounts of artillery shells and military supplies for Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine.
Despite a precise timeframe not being announced, Putin's arrival in North Korea could be imminent, with one regional monitor saying there are clear signs that it's close:
North Korea has completely cleared planes from the tarmac in front of Pyongyang International Airport in recent days, a rare activity associated with foreign leader visits that likely signals preparations to host Russian leader Vladimir Putin as early as this week.
NK Pro analysis of Planet Labs imagery shows Air Koryo planes were removed from a parking apron near the airport’s terminal building between June 6 and 10. They remained parked in other parts of the airport on June 11.
Reuters previously reported this week that Putin is expected in Vietnam from June 19 to 20. There's speculation over the likelihood that the North Korea trip will take place before that.
