North Korea's Kim Jong Un enters Russia for summit with Vladimir Putin

SUMMARY

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed the border into Russia on Wednesday by train for his first trip there, aimed at galvanising support from President Vladimir Putin while nuclear talks with Washington are in limbo. Kim is expected to project himself as a serious world player at his first meeting with the Russian leader on Thursday and at the same time seek assistance from a key ally to ease economic pressure brought on by US and international sanctions. The young leader will meet Putin in the Russian Pacific port of Vladivostok, with the nuclear stalemate with the United States topping the agenda, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said. "In the last few months the situation around the peninsula has stabilised somewhat, thanks in large part to North Korea's initiatives of stopping rocket testing and closing its nuclear test site," Ushakov told reporters. "Russia intends to help in any way possible to cement that positive trend."

By ReutersApr 24, 2019 1:41:46 PM IST (Published)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (L, front) attends a meeting with Russia's Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East Alexander Kozlov (2nd R, front) and Governor of Primorsky Region Oleg Kozhemyako (R) upon his arrival at a railway station in Khasan, Russia April 24, 2019. Press Service of Administration of Primorsky Krai/Alexander Safronov/Handout via REUTERS

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un disembarks from a train during a welcoming ceremony at a railway station in the far eastern settlement of Khasan, Russia April 24, 2019. Press Service of Administration of Primorsky Krai/Alexander Safronov/Handout via REUTERS

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during an interview with the Russian media upon his arrival at a railway station in the far eastern settlement of Khasan, Russia April 24, 2019. Press Service of Administration of Primorsky Krai/Alexander Safronov/Handout via REUTERS

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) takes part in a welcoming ceremony at a railway station in the far eastern settlement of Khasan, Russia April 24, 2019. Press Service of Administration of Primorsky Krai/Alexander Safronov/Handout via REUTERS

State flags of North Korea and Russia fly at a railway station near the border between the countries during preparations for a presumable visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the far eastern settlement of Khasan, Russia April 23, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer

Security personnel surrounds the car for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they wait for his arrival at the railway station in the Russian far-eastern city of Vladivostok, Russia, April 24, 2019. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov