[1/3] North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by government officials, departs Pyongyang, North Korea, to visit Russia, September 10, 2023, in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency on September 12, 2023.
Kim left on Sunday in a trip that will include meetings with President Vladimir Putin, state news agency KCNA said.
American officials, who first reported that the visit was imminent, say the discussions are likely to include a possible deal for North Korea to provide Russia with weapons for the war in Ukraine.
Kim was accompanied by top government officials including military personnel, KCNA said.
"The presence of Jo Chun Ryong indicates that North Korea and Russia will conclude some type of agreement for munitions purchases," said Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the Washington-based Stimson Center.
Persons:
Kim Jong Un, Kim, Vladimir Putin, KCNA, Jo Chun Ryong, Michael Madden, Putin, Dmitry Peskov, Peskov, Hyunsu Yim, Josh Smith, Grant McCool, Stephen Coates
Organizations:
North, Korean Central News Agency, KCNA, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Munitions Industry, Stimson, Thomson
Locations:
Pyongyang, North Korea, Russia, Rights SEOUL, Ukraine, Korea, Washington, Moscow