North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrives in Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Kim is believed to have crossed into Russia on his armored private train on Tuesday, amid warnings from Washington against North Korea engaging in an arms deal with Russia.
The Kremlin said Kim was visiting Russia “at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin,” without specifying the timing and exact purpose of his visit.
North Korean state media said Kim headed to Russia along with leading officials of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, government, and armed forces.
US officials believe discussions about a potential arms deal will likely occur during Kim’s visit. The United States has urged North Korea not to sell weapons to Russia that could be used against Ukraine.
National security advisor Jake Sullivan earlier warned that North Korea will “pay a price” if it supplies weapons to Russia.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said last month that any arms deal between the two countries would directly violate United Nations Security Council resolutions.
North Korea has been subject to UN sanctions since 2006 over its weapons of mass destruction program.
Kim’s visit to Russia follows a Russian defense official’s visit to North Korea in late July.
Russian Defense Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang on July 27 to attend a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the cessation of the Korean War.