Putin-Kim meeting to focus on arms negotiations: Pentagon

WASHINGTON

The Pentagon said Tuesday that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will center on discussions about arms.

"We know that a meeting is to take place. And our understanding is that this will focus on arms negotiations," said spokesman Pat Ryder at a news conference.

He reiterated the US' call for North Korea to adhere to its previously stated public commitment to not provide weapons to Russia.

Ryder said providing arms would only end up "prolonging the unnecessary war" in Ukraine.

Russian officials confirmed Tuesday the arrival of the North Korean leader for a rare summit with Putin.

“I confirm. it's true,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Interfax news agency.

Earlier in the day, the South Korean Defense Ministry said Kim arrived in the Russian border city of Khasan and was on his way to the Far Eastern city of Ussuriysk.

Kim, who last visited Russia in 2019, left his capital, Pyongyang, onboard a special train late Sunday along with senior government and military personnel, according to North Korean state media.

He is believed to be present at the 2023 Eastern Economic Forum, which is taking place in Vladivostok that will run through Wednesday. Putin is also attending the meeting.

South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Jeon Ha-kyou said Seoul was closely monitoring the visit and possible talks between the two countries about an arms trade.

Earlier this month, the Pentagon urged North Korea to refrain from selling ammunition and arms to Russia. Washington said Pyongyang will "pay a price" if it carries out an arms deal with Moscow.