Putin to Return to North Korea Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years, deepening military ties between the two countries. The visit comes amid concerns about an arms arrangement where North Korea provides munitions to Russia for its war in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers. Both countries deny accusations of weapons transfers, which would violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. The meeting between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un aims to expand military cooperation and enhance their alignment against the U.S.-led international order. Putin's visit is seen as a victory for Kim, boosting North Korea's status and domestic legitimacy. The relationship between North Korea and Russia has intensified since Kim's visit to Russia in September, with Pyongyang hoping to receive advanced weapons in exchange for providing munitions to Moscow. The visit underscores the growing military and economic cooperation between the two countries, raising concerns about the implications for regional security.