Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Pyongyang, marking his first visit to the North Korean capital since 2000. He is scheduled to meet with leader Kim Jong Un, their first meeting since September in Vladivostok. Allegations from the US and Seoul claim North Korea has provided Russia with artillery and other equipment, potentially in exchange for food and military aid, although both nations deny any formal arms deal. Amidst Russia’s strained relations with the West following its invasion of Ukraine, Putin has been seeking alliances elsewhere, including with North Korea and Vietnam, where he will visit next to discuss trade and other bilateral matters.