North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is on a secretive journey to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. This marks Kim’s first overseas trip in over four years, and the exact details of the summit, including the timing and location, remain undisclosed. The visit is expected to have significant implications for international relations, especially concerning the possibility of arms deals between North Korea and Russia.
Kim Jong Un is known for traveling in style and with maximum security. He prefers using his personal bulletproof train for foreign trips, which is believed to be equipped with amenities like a karaoke room, satellite communication, and an emergency medical facility. His personal car, usually a Mercedes-Benz limousine, is also towed along in the caravan. A helicopter is included for swift exits, highlighting the security concerns surrounding Kim’s travels.
The train itself is painted olive green with white roofing, and its windows are darkened. Yellow steel plating, designed to protect against bomb attacks, wraps around the train’s body. Typically, Kim travels with more than 20 carriages, with security personnel positioned both in front and behind the train.
Kim’s decision to travel by train, rather than by air, offers increased security and also draws international attention to his journey. It allows him to maintain a mysterious yet influential image as he meets with world leaders in convenient locations.
North Korea’s railways are known to face significant challenges, including electricity shortages and outdated tracks. The fastest North Korean train, traveling from Pyongyang to Beijing, reaches speeds of approximately 28 miles per hour. Ordinary trains in North Korea travel at a mere 9 miles per hour due to infrastructure issues. In comparison, South Korea’s conventional trains reach speeds of about 90 miles per hour, with high-speed railway trains reaching up to 186 miles per hour.
Kim’s meeting with Putin raises concerns about possible arms deals between North Korea and Russia, which could impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The United States and other countries have expressed their opposition to North Korea providing lethal aid to Russia.
Kim’s overseas trip is a significant indicator of North Korea’s return to pre-pandemic behavior, marking a departure from its isolationist stance in recent years. The regime has taken steps to reopen to the outside world, including resuming flights, allowing international delegations, and participating in international events. This foreign trip by the North Korean leader underscores this shift in the country’s approach.
Kim Jong Un’s international travels are often shrouded in mystery, with details emerging only after the fact. His meetings with world leaders have had a significant impact on global diplomacy, and his latest journey to meet Putin holds the potential for further geopolitical developments.
