North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his generals wave goodbye on his armored train in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Monday. Photo: Korean Central News Agency
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un's armored train arrived in Russia's far east on Tuesday morning local time, Russian state media reported.
Why it matters: The official visit comes amid concerns that North Korea could supply weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine.
The big picture: The Kremlin wrote in a Telegram post that Kim's visit will take place "at the invitation of" Russian President Vladimir Putin, but did not specify exactly when or where it would take place.
- U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson warned last week that "arms negotiations" between Moscow and Pyongyang "are actively advancing."
- Watson added that potential arms sales were discussed during a recent visit to North Korea by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Worth noting: The trip marks Kim's first known visit abroad in more than four years, Reuters reported.
- The trip will include a one-on-one meeting between Kim and Putin, as well as a dinner in Kim's honor, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday, per Russia's Interfax news agency.
- No press conferences are planned, Peskov added.
State of play: White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned last week that North Korea would "pay a price" if it decided to supply weapons to Russia.
- A U.S. official confirmed last year, citing downgraded U.S. intelligence, that Russia's Ministry of Defense was buying millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea.
- As the war in Ukraine has stretched on, Russia has turned to other adversaries of the U.S., including China and Iran, to aid its war effort.
Go deeper: Gen. Milley: Putin has turned to North Korea with "tin cup in hand"
Editor's note: This article has been updated with a new details about the trip's schedule.