Russian President Vladimir Putin is reported to have mobilized all four of his private jets when visiting North Korea for the first time in 24 years. Despite Putin’s visit to North Korea at the North’s invitation, it appears that Russia is treating North Korea with extreme courtesy.
Putin is known to have four upgraded models of the Ilyushin (IL) 96-300, the IL 96-300-PU. According to the aircraft tracking website FlightRadar24, one of these planes arrived in Pyongyang on the morning of June 18. It appears to have been carrying the advance team for Putin’s visit to North Korea.
The remaining three planes headed to Pyongyang after accompanying Putin on a visit to the Far East region of Sakha (Yakutia) in Russia. These planes were seen landing sequentially at Pyongyang International Airport on June 19.
It is unusual for Putin to move all four of his private jets at once, a move seen as a result of heightened security and protection measures following the invasion of Ukraine. A large delegation accompanied Putin on his visit to North Korea, suggesting that Russia is putting considerable effort into strengthening cooperation and exchanges with North Korea.
North Korea and Russia are expected to discuss a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement at this summit on top of plans to expand military cooperation, including arms trade.
Agreements to build an economic community, including establishing independent trade routes between the two countries and a ruble-based payment system, are expected to be reached.