Putin to Visit North Korea for the First Time in 24 Years, Kim Jong-un Prepares Welcome

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years. South Korean media outlets are predicting a high possibility of the visit between June 18th and 19th, but Russia and North Korea have not made any official announcements, and details are yet to be revealed. While the news surrounding Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader who extended the invitation to President Putin, has been completely absent for two weeks, some analysts suggest that the preparations for his reception may be related to an important Workers' Party meeting scheduled for later this month.

Diplomatic sources speculate that President Putin could depart as early as June 17th, but no concrete movements have been confirmed. According to NK News, a website specializing in North Korea, road paving and renovation projects are underway in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, particularly around monuments related to Russia and near the Ministry of National Defense.