North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unexpectedly extended his stay in Russia, where he had been in talks with President Vladimir Putin, sparking speculation of a potential arms deal between the two nations.

During their discussions on Wednesday, they explored prospects for military cooperation.

A spokesperson for the Kremlin stated that President Putin graciously accepted an invitation from Mr. Kim to visit North Korea in the future.

The United States has cautioned that any assistance from Russia in the context of its conflict with Ukraine, where Moscow is purchasing weaponry, would breach UN resolutions, BBC reported.

Kim Jong Un received a warm reception from President Putin at Russia’s far-eastern Vostochny space center, which took him two days to reach via his private, bulletproof luxury train.

Russian state media showed the two leaders exchanging smiles and handshakes, with Putin personally guiding Kim Jong Un around the space center.

They also exchanged gifts, including a spacesuit glove with spaceflight history and a Russian-made rifle from Putin, while Kim Jong Un gifted Putin a North Korean-manufactured firearm and other items.

After the summit, President Putin returned to Moscow, while Kim Jong Un’s visit continued for several more days, although specific details were not disclosed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

During the extended visit, it was anticipated that Kim Jong Un would oversee a presentation of Russian warships and make stops at various factories, ultimately passing through the eastern city of Vladivostok on his return journey.

Written by staff