North Korean leader is believed to be heading 1,000km north of Vladivostok to meet Russian president amid concerns of Ukraine war arms deal

Kim Jong-un has spoken of the “strategic importance” of his visit to Russia, ahead of expected weapons talks with Vladimir Putin at a space base in the remote region of Amur on Wednesday.

The North Korean leader received a VIP welcome upon his arrival in Russia, with a military honour guard and the national anthems of both countries playing, state-run new agency KCNA reported. Kim told his Russian hosts that his visit was a “clear manifestation” of North Korea “prioritising the strategic importance” of its ties with Russia, it reported.