Intelligence Authorities Confirm 'Kim Jong-un's Private Train' Departed Toward Russia

President Putin of Russia Likely to Hold Summit Meeting

It has been reported that a "special train," presumed to be carrying North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, has departed for Russia. Chairman Kim is expected to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future.

A senior government official stated on the 11th, "Intelligence agencies have confirmed that a train believed to be carrying Kim Jong-un is moving toward Vladivostok." Another high-ranking official also said, "It appears that Kim Jong-un has left Pyongyang and is currently traveling."

North Korean State Chairman Kim Jong-un's First Visit to Russia in April 2019 [Image Source=Yonhap News]

Kim Jong-un and President Putin are expected to hold a summit as early as the 12th or 13th during the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) taking place in Vladivostok. If the two meet in Vladivostok, it will mark their reunion in the same city after 4 years and 5 months since the North Korea-Russia summit in April 2019.

Russian news agency Interfax cited multiple sources, including government officials who said, "We have been preparing for Kim Jong-un's visit for a long time," confirming that Russian authorities are preparing for Chairman Kim's visit. However, the Kremlin has stated that no talks will take place at the EEF.

Earlier, the Ministry of National Defense evaluated during a regular briefing that if Chairman Kim visits Russia, there is a possibility of a meeting with President Putin. Jeon Ha-gyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said, "We assess that there is a possibility of Kim Jong-un visiting Russia," and added, "If the visit takes place, efforts are being made to arrange a meeting with Russian President Putin."

Meanwhile, the U.S. New York Times (NYT) reported earlier this month, citing U.S. government officials, that if Chairman Kim holds a summit with President Putin in Vladivostok, discussions on arms deals and other matters could take place. The South Korean government has repeatedly expressed concerns about the possibility of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Koo Byung-sam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, emphasized, "The government is concerned about the recently raised possibility of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia," and stressed, "We clearly state once again that cooperation between the two countries must not violate international norms or undermine peace on the Korean Peninsula."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.