War and weapons on agenda as Putin heads to N Korea

Summary

1. Russian President Vladimir Putin is on his way to the North Korean capital Pyongyang where he will meet leader Kim Jong Un
2. The two leaders last met in September in Vladivostok but this is Putin’s first visit to Pyongyang since 2000
3. The US and Seoul have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery and other equipment, likely in exchange for food and military aid
4. Both countries deny the existence of an arms deal but vowed last year to strengthen military ties
5. Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin has increasingly become a pariah to the West and has been looking elsewhere for allies
6. After North Korea, Putin is expected to visit Vietnam, a long-time ally, where both countries are expected to discuss issues such as trade