Putin to visit North Korea to bolster ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea this week as the two countries deepen an alliance forged during the war in Ukraine.

Putin will pay the be in the country Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Kremlin and North Korean state media.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un extended the invitation to Putin after he visited Russia in September.

The U.S. has accused the two leaders of cooperating with weapons and technology transfers, with North Korea supplying Russia with artillery shells for use in Ukraine in return for critical technology that can help boost Pyongyang’s missile and space satellite development, among other things.

Russia has increasingly turned to other countries to supply its troops in Ukraine. Iran has provided explosive drones, and the U.S. says China has given technology to support the development of Russian assets used in the war.

It’s not clear what Putin and Kim may discuss in North Korea, including any new trade agreements, or if the visit is a formality and an opportunity to increase ties.