North Korean leader Kim Jong Un completed his six-day visit to Russia and departed on Sunday. The visit primarily focused on military matters, raising concerns in the West about possible arms deals between Moscow and Pyongyang in violation of sanctions.
A video published by RIA Novosti showed Kim’s departure ceremony at the Artyom-Primorsky-1 station. His train was headed towards the border, traveling approximately 250 kilometers. Kim waved goodbye to a Russian delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov as the train departed, with the Russian march “Farewell of Slavianka” playing.
Earlier on Sunday, TASS reported that Kim had received several gifts, including five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone, and a bulletproof vest, from a regional governor.
According to TASS, the governor of the Primorye region, which shares borders with China and North Korea, also offered Kim a set of bulletproof protection and special clothing that cannot be detected by thermal cameras.
Kim met with the Russian Defense Minister in Vladivostok on Saturday, where he inspected advanced weaponry, including a hypersonic missile system.
Throughout his visit to Russia’s far eastern region, which began on Tuesday, Kim’s focus has been heavily on military affairs. This was evident from the composition of his entourage, which consisted mainly of military officers, as well as symbolic gestures like exchanging rifles with President Vladimir Putin and touring a fighter jet factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
There are speculations that Moscow may be interested in acquiring ammunition from North Korea for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Pyongyang seeks Russia’s assistance in developing its condemned missile program. The Kremlin stated that no agreements have been signed and will be signed in regards to these matters.
On Sunday, Kim also met with North Korean students studying in Vladivostok.
The North Korean news agency KCNA described Kim’s visit as a “fervent and warm” atmosphere, signaling the start of a “new era of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation” between North Korea and Russia.
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