Kim Jong Un says Russia "rose to defend its sovereignty" at meeting with Putin

This was reported by the Russian news agency Interfax.

"We aim to strengthen our relationship further and continue supporting President Putin's decisions and the Russian government's choices. We stand united in our fight against imperialism and in our pursuit of a sovereign state," emphasized Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong Un also highlighted the significant role the USSR played in helping establish and develop the independence of the DPRK, noting the "deep-rooted friendship" between the two nations.

"Our top priority now is fostering strong relations with the Russian Federation," Kim Jong Un stated.

He mentioned that he has various ongoing discussions with Putin, covering politics, economics, and culture.

The meeting was reported by the Russian BBC, citing various media sources. Kim Jong Un arrived at the Russian Vostochny Cosmodrome in his armored train, where his meeting with Vladimir Putin was already underway.

Interfax reported that Putin and Kim would inspect several facilities at the cosmodrome before engaging in negotiations.

According to reports, the primary focus of the discussion between Putin and Kim is believed to be the supply of ammunition from North Korea for the Russian army. In return, Kim seeks food assistance and access to specific military technologies from Russia, as suggested by US sources.

More details on cooperation between Russia and the DPRK

Earlier, White House spokesman John Kirby said that talks between Russia and the DPRK on military cooperation were "actively progressing."

In July, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited the DPRK and met with his North Korean counterpart, among others.

In early August, the White House accused Russia of trying to buy munitions from the DPRK.

Oleksandr Musienko, head of the Center for Military Legal Studies, said that Russia has problems with the military and industrial complex, so Moscow is turning to the DPRK and Iran for help. According to him, Ukraine must be prepared for North Korea to supply weapons to Russia.

On August 18, it became known that US President Joe Biden was ready to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "without preconditions" to discuss the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

On August 31, the United States imposed sanctions on two Russian citizens over the development of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles for the DPRK.

On September 4, The New York Times reported, citing US and allied officials, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to visit Russia in September and meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss military cooperation.

On September 11, the North Korean leader traveled by train to Vladivostok to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin confirmed Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia "in the coming days".

On September 12, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's armored train arrived in Russia. The DPRK dictator is expected to meet with Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok.