Seoul
Russia is arranging a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, though no date has been set yet. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said Moscow is working through diplomatic channels to schedule the visit, following an invitation from President Vladimir Putin.
Kim and Putin last met in June last year in Pyongyang, where they signed a mutual defence treaty. Since then, North Korea and Russia have grown closer, especially in military and economic areas. This upcoming visit would be Kim's third trip to Russia. His previous visits, in 2019 and 2023, were both held near the Russia–North Korea border, likely due to safety and travel issues.
Although Kim did not attend Russia’s major Victory Day event in Moscow on May 9, he did visit the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to mark the 80th anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II.
There is growing speculation that Kim’s next visit could happen soon—possibly in June for the treaty’s one-year anniversary, or during Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum in September in Vladivostok.
Since the treaty, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to help Russia in its war in Ukraine. In return, Russia has reportedly shared rare defence technology, economic aid, and other benefits with North Korea.
Russia says they hope Kim will visit soon, but exact plans remain uncertain. The visit, once confirmed, will likely strengthen the growing ties between the two countries amid rising global tensions.