Putin and Kim Meet in Russia to Show United Front Against US Confrontations

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Wednesday at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the far eastern Amur region of Russia. The meeting comes as both leaders face intensifying confrontations with the United States.

Kim arrived by limousine and Putin shook hands with him, saying he was “very glad to see” him. The two leaders then inspected the cosmodrome before sitting down for talks.

The meeting marks the first time the two leaders have met in person since 2018. It is also the first time Kim has visited Russia since taking power in 2011.

The meeting is seen as a sign of the growing ties between Russia and North Korea, which have been strengthening in recent years. The two countries have been working together on a number of economic and security initiatives, including a joint oil and gas project and a joint military exercise.

The meeting also comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and both Russia and North Korea. The United States has imposed sanctions on both countries in recent years, and the two countries have been increasingly vocal in their criticism of the United States.

The meeting between Putin and Kim is seen as an attempt to show a united front in the face of the United States. It is also seen as a sign that the two countries are looking to strengthen their ties and work together on a number of issues.