Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years on Tuesday for talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. Their last meeting occurred in Vladivostok in September. The Kremlin describes the event as a “friendly state visit,” and discussions may include signing a partnership agreement and addressing security issues.

During his stay, Putin is expected to participate in various events, including a parade in Kim Il Sung Square and visits to the Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Trinity and the Kumsusan guesthouse. He will be accompanied by a delegation including Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

Putin has praised North Korea for supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine and has promised to support Pyongyang against U.S. pressure. Kim Jong Un recently described ties with Russia as an “unbreakable relationship of comrades-in-arms.” The U.S. has expressed concern about the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea.

The visit consolidates increasing bilateral ties since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with accusations from Washington and Seoul that Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with artillery and military equipment in exchange for food and military aid. Both North Korea and Russia deny these claims. After North Korea, Putin is expected to visit Vietnam to discuss trade issues.

This is Putin’s second visit to North Korea; his first was in 2000. The visit underscores the strategic pivot towards closer Russian-North Korean relations amidst ongoing Western isolation.