Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia underway

Seoul

Preparations are underway for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia this year, according to Russian officials. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko confirmed the planning on Thursday, though the exact timing of the visit remains undisclosed.

The visit comes amid growing speculation that Kim may attend Russia's 80th Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking a potential reciprocation for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea last year. Putin had invited Kim to Moscow for summit talks during his visit in June 2024.

In addition to Kim's anticipated visit, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to travel to Pyongyang to further strengthen strategic ties between the two nations. This follows a recent visit to Pyongyang by Rudenko, where he met with North Korean officials to discuss political contacts at high levels.

Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu also traveled to Pyongyang last week to meet with Kim, delivering a message from President Putin. This marks another significant step in the growing relationship between the two countries, especially following the signing of a mutual defense treaty between Kim and Putin.

Kim's visit, if confirmed, would be his third trip to Russia, following earlier visits to Vladivostok in 2019 and the Vostochny Cosmodrome in 2023. In a meeting earlier this month, Kim reiterated his support for Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.