Kim Jong Un met with the Russian Defense Minister: Tas

International Desk: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The meeting took place in Vladivostok on Saturday, Russian state news agency Tass reported. According to the report, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was greeted by Shoigu when he arrived at Navichi Airfield in Vladivostok.

Kim was also given an honor guard. Kim Jong Un's foreign visits are considered rare. This is the first time he has set foot outside the country on an official visit since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. His visit has raised fears among Western nations that Moscow and Pyongyang may strike an arms deal in defiance of sanctions.

Moscow is believed to be interested in buying North Korean munitions to continue its war in Ukraine, while Pyongyang wants Russia's help in developing its missile program. Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at the 'possibility' of military cooperation after a meeting with Kim, but the Kremlin said on Friday that no deal had been signed. .