As North Korean leader Kim Jong Un embarked on his journey to Russia, he adhered to the favored mode of transportation for Pyongyang’s ruling family: shrouded in secrecy, equipped for self-protection, and exuding style.
This trip marks Kim’s first international excursion in over four years. According to North Korea’s state media, Kim left Pyongyang on Sunday afternoon local time, opting for his personal, bulletproof train. On Tuesday, photos surfaced showing Kim waving from the train door, accompanied by senior party, government, and military officials.
Kim’s train crossed into Russia early on Tuesday, as confirmed by South Korea’s Defense Ministry. However, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang have officially disclosed Kim’s ultimate destination. For foreign travels, Kim consistently relies on this fortified mobile fortress, rumored to house amenities such as a karaoke room, satellite communication, and an emergency medical facility.
The train is painted olive green with a white roof, while its windows are darkened. Yellow steel plating strips, designed to enhance protection against bomb attacks, encircle the train’s exterior. Kim typically travels with more than 20 carriages, with security personnel both in front and behind.
U.S. officials had previously anticipated that Kim would soon hold a meeting with Putin, during which they could discuss the potential sale of Pyongyang’s weaponry to aid Moscow in replenishing its supplies for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russia and North Korea have pledged to enhance their military coordination, which may involve technology transfers to bolster Pyongyang’s weaponry. John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House’s National Security Council, cautioned that the Kim regime would face consequences from the U.S. and other nations if it were to provide Russia with lethal assistance. Although Pyongyang has not delivered significant munitions to Moscow, it did supply rockets and artillery ammunition to the Wagner Group, Russia’s paramilitary force, several months ago.
