“No, we can’t (confirm), we have nothing to say on this subject,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in response to reporters regarding the White House claims.
On Monday, Washington said secret negotiations over Pyongyang’s supply of arms for Moscow’s war effort were “actively” progressing. According to the American daily The New York Times, the Kremlin is seeking artillery shells and anti-tank missiles from North Korea, while Mr Kim is seeking advanced technology for satellites and submarines. nuclear-powered, as well as food aid.
“They are our neighbours”
For Washington, such arms agreements “would violate Security Council resolutions” sanctioning North Korea. US officials also told the New York Times that Kim would likely travel by armored train later this month to Vladivostok, on Russia’s Pacific coast, not far from North Korea, to meet with Vladimir Putin.
Vladivostok is hosting the Eastern Economic Forum from September 10 to 13, which was attended by representatives of 68 countries last year. Separately, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on Monday that the two countries were discussing the possibility of holding joint military exercises.
“We are discussing it with everyone, including North Korea. Why not? They are our neighbours,” the minister, quoted by TASS, told reporters.