State media reported on Monday that Kim Jong Un, who had spent nearly a week in Russia on a defense-related trip, had sent President Vladimir Putin his “heartfelt thanks” as he returned home. Kim’s journey of Russia’s far east, which started on Tuesday, has heightened Western concerns that Pyongyang, which is isolated and armed with nuclear weapons, would give Moscow supplies for its conflict in Ukraine.
The leader of North Korea examined everything while there, including submarines and Russian space rockets. A ceremonial exchange of firearms with Putin was also part of it.
According to Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency, Kim “extended his heartfelt thanks to President Putin and the Russian leadership” for “their special care and cordial hospitality” as the visit came to a conclusion on Monday.
