Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his first trip to Pyongyang in 24 years, was greeted by portraits of himself lining the streets, along with the Russian flag. Putin is looking to boost cooperation with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and secure more arms as Russia battles Ukraine.
Putin Visits North Korea To Boost Cooperation Amid Ukraine War
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waits for the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the airport in Pyongyang on June 18.
The Russian president's two-day visit to the secretive one-party state is being closely watched for signs of a new strategic alliance as Moscow seeks to bolster its supply of munitions and ballistic missiles for use on the Ukrainian battlefield.
An official photo released by the North Korean Central New Agency (KCNA) shows Putin (left) walking with North Korea's Kim upon his arrival at the airport in Pyongyang.
State television showed Kim and Putin shaking hands and repeatedly hugging on the Russian leader's predawn arrival at Pyongyang airport.
A joint limousine motorcade snakes through the capital decorated with Russian flags and pictures of Putin.
Putin (right) expressed gratitude for Pyongyang's "unwavering support" at the start of a summit as the two fiercely anti-Western leaders sought ways to boost cooperation.
North Koreans attend a welcoming ceremony for Putin in Pyongyang on June 19.
"We highly appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for Russian policy, including in the Ukrainian direction," Putin told Kim at the start of their talks, according to Russian media.
Putin and Kim walk along the red carpet as children greet them waving Russian flags.
North Korean military personnel stand at attention as the two leaders participate in the welcoming ceremony.
Kim called the North Korea-Russia relationship a "fiery friendship."
Kim has pledged his country's "full support and solidarity to the Russian government, army, and people in carrying out the special military operation in Ukraine to protect sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity."
The United States and its allies have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with arms, including ballistic missiles, to use in Ukraine in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Putin and Kim attend a meeting in Pyongyang.
Russian foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov said that signings during the visit could include an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership.
North Korea is one of just a few countries in the world that has openly supported Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and recognizes Moscow's illegal annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.