Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea for a two-day trip starting Tuesday, marking the first time he has visited since 2000. Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will meet in Pyongyang to discuss military cooperation, potentially signing a partnership agreement. The visit comes amid allegations that North Korea has been supplying Russia with weapons like artillery shells for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The United States first accused North Korea of arms sales to Russia in September 2022. By March this year, it was reported that North Korea had shipped close to 7,000 containers of weapons to Russia. Recent reports indicate that the number has now reached approximately 10,000 containers. These shipments could include millions of rounds of artillery shells and other munitions crucial for the war effort.

Both Russia and North Korea have denied any arms trading, which is banned under United Nations sanctions on North Korea. The U.S. has expressed concern about the deepening relationship between the two countries.

Additionally, North Korea’s trade in human hair products, including wigs and false eyelashes, contributes to its revenue streams, aiding its nuclear ambitions despite sanctions. In 2023, North Korea’s exports to China included substantial shipments of hair products.

Following his visit to North Korea, Putin is expected to travel to Vietnam to discuss trade and other issues with the Vietnamese government.

The White House and South Korean officials continue to monitor these developments closely, emphasizing the importance of sanctions in slowing North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.